Abuja, Nigeria — The Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria, Olatunji Disu, has called for a stronger focus on the welfare of lower-ranking police personnel, stressing that they carry the heaviest responsibilities in day-to-day security operations across the country.
The appeal was made during a meeting at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, where Disu received the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, along with members of the organisation’s Board of Directors. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund is a government-backed institution established to provide funding and support for the Nigeria Police Force through training, infrastructure, and welfare programmes.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, the meeting served as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between the police and the Trust Fund, particularly in advancing ongoing reforms within the security institution.
The statement said, “The IG specifically called on the NPTF to direct targeted welfare programmes at junior-ranked officers, emphasising that those at the lower cadre carry the heaviest operational burdens and deserve structured, consistent support.”
Okay News reports that junior officers form the backbone of policing in Nigeria, often deployed to frontline duties such as patrols, crime response, and community security, making their welfare a critical factor in the overall effectiveness of the force.
Disu reiterated his broader vision of transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, responsive, and citizen-focused institution, noting that partnerships with organisations like the Trust Fund are key to achieving that goal.
He identified improved living conditions as central to this effort, highlighting the importance of better housing, accessible healthcare services, and timely payment of insurance and welfare benefits. According to him, these measures would help improve morale, strengthen discipline, and enhance operational efficiency among officers.
In his response, Mohammed Sheidu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to supporting the force through practical and needs-based interventions. He outlined several achievements of the organisation, including the implementation of more than 100 training programmes that have benefited over 13,000 officers across Nigeria.
Sheidu also noted that the Trust Fund has completed more than 170 infrastructure projects nationwide, alongside initiatives focused on housing development, healthcare support, and the introduction of smart policing technologies.
He added that the organisation remains focused on boosting operational readiness, modernising police facilities, and aligning its projects with the strategic priorities of the Nigeria Police Force.
The meeting comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to reform its police system, with a growing emphasis on improving service delivery, strengthening institutional capacity, and addressing long-standing welfare concerns among officers, particularly those in junior ranks who handle most frontline duties.
