CALL FOR COLLABORATION AND PEACEFUL SERVICE WITH THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

The leadership of Guard Time Information Human Rights Activists Nationwide has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who assumed office on February 24, 2026, as the 23rd indigenous Inspector General of Police, succeeding Kayode Adeola Egbetokun.

The organization emphasized that the Police remain the foremost security institution responsible for the protection of lives and property in every nation. It therefore called on all Nigerians to support security agencies in promoting peace, justice, and national development.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Comrade Bibi Oduku stressed the need for closer cooperation between human rights groups and the office of the Inspector General of Police, alongside Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police across the country. According to him, such collaboration would strengthen peace-building initiatives, non-violence orientation programmes, and professional conduct among police officers in their interactions with citizens.

He further noted that educating officers on anger management, lawful engagement, and respect for human rights would help build trust between the Police and the public while reducing unnecessary conflicts and violence.

“As human rights activists and patriotic Nigerians, we believe in dialogue, diplomacy, and lawful conflict resolution mechanisms that will foster mutual understanding between citizens and law enforcement agencies without resulting in violence or bloodshed,” he stated.

Comrade Bibi Oduku also highlighted the organization’s growing partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) following discussions with its National Chairman, Alhaji Magaji Ibrahim Olaniyan. He explained that the partnership aims to strengthen cooperation among human rights activists, journalists, security agencies, and citizens in order to promote peace, understanding, and responsible civic engagement.

He expressed confidence in the leadership qualities of IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, describing him as a committed and disciplined officer dedicated to professionalism, justice, fairness, and the overall reform and development of the Nigeria Police Force.

Also speaking, Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo, popularly known as Mr. FIGO and serving as National Patron of the organization from Edo State, commended the recent improvements and operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force since the appointment of the new IGP. He stated that enhanced intelligence-driven policing and peaceful engagement programmes between officers and citizens would contribute significantly to public safety and national development.

The organization further announced that all State Coordinators of Guard Time Information Human Rights Activists Nationwide would officially engage with Commissioners of Police in their respective states to organize peace-building and non-violence orientation programmes across police divisions and units nationwide. Legal practitioners and journalists, according to the organization, will also actively participate in the programmes to promote legal awareness, accountability, and responsible reporting.

Comrade Bibi Oduku additionally called on media organizations, associations, and practitioners to ensure balanced, factual, and responsible reporting that will not escalate tensions or misrepresent sensitive security matters capable of causing public unrest.

Addressing Nigerians, he urged citizens to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands, noting that any police officer found guilty of misconduct would face due legal processes and disciplinary measures.

The organization concluded by commending the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General, Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and officers of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and sacrifices in combating criminal activities across the country.

Special recognition was also given to CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD, and the Anambra State Police Command for recent successful operations against criminal hideouts, including the recovery of arms and efforts aimed at improving security in the state.