POLICE CHIEF PROMISES STRONGER INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged to deepen inclusive policing in Nigeria and strengthen measures aimed at protecting Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly as the country prepares for forthcoming general elections.

Disu made the commitment on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when he received a delegation from TAF Africa, led by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jake Epelle, at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation included representatives of TAF Africa, the Nigerian Women Trust Fund and the Nigeria Association of the Blind.

During the meeting, Epelle commended the leadership of the police for what he described as deliberate efforts to incorporate inclusiveness into policing and the protection of lives and property. He also praised police personnel for their conduct during recently concluded off-cycle elections, with particular reference to the Osun State governorship election.

Epelle called on the Inspector-General to develop a more responsive security framework that would adequately take the needs and concerns of PWDs into consideration. He also sought Disu's approval for the organisation of what would be the first Inclusive Security Summit, which is expected to receive funding from the European Union. The TAF Africa chief further requested that the IGP attend the event and formally declare the summit open.

The delegation also raised concerns about the need for stronger collaboration between disability-focused organisations and the police. Brenda Anyanwu, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, called for a strategic partnership with the Force Gender Unit to promote gender-sensitive and inclusive policing across the Nigeria Police Force.

Similarly, Agaba Jacob, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, urged the police to provide greater opportunities for PWDs to participate in policing, particularly in intelligence-related assignments. He noted that persons with disabilities can make valuable contributions to security efforts while also requiring stronger protection because of their vulnerability to certain forms of crime, including sexual offences.

The representatives further appealed to the police authorities to establish disability-focused policing strategies and clear structures for regular engagement between police personnel and the PWD community. Such measures, they said, would help improve understanding between security personnel and persons living with disabilities while ensuring that their specific security needs are not overlooked.

Responding to the requests, Disu described the engagement as an eye-opening interaction and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the way police officers interact with members of the PWD community. He said officers would be subjected to continuous training and retraining to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated effectively, appropriately and with dignity when dealing with the police.

The Inspector-General stressed that the rights and vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities must be recognised and protected in line with relevant Nigerian laws and international obligations. He further assured the delegation that the police would work towards ensuring stronger participation of PWDs in policing, particularly during the forthcoming general elections.

Disu also promised that appropriate measures would be introduced to enable persons living with disabilities to exercise their constitutional right to vote without intimidation, humiliation or discrimination. The commitment is particularly significant ahead of future electoral activities, where accessibility and adequate protection remain important considerations for vulnerable groups.

The Nigeria Police Force subsequently reaffirmed its intention to strengthen partnerships with disability organisations and other stakeholders as part of efforts to build a more inclusive security system. The Force said its policing approach would continue to focus on protecting the lives, rights and property of residents without discrimination.