The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Police Affairs, has officially handed over the newly gazetted Nigerian Police Regulations to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for full implementation.Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, said the exercise is backed by Section 138 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, urging the IGP to ensure strict compliance to reposition the force in line with global best practices.“This ceremony marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, accountable, and citizen-focused institution.
The Nigerian Police Regulations 2025, signed in November 2025 and gazetted in February 2026, represent a renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, transparency, and the rule of law,” Gaidam stated.He emphasised the urgency of updating policing frameworks, noting that 21st-century policing requires systems aligned with democratic values and global standards.According to him, the regulations are designed to strengthen accountability, provide clear operational guidelines, and enhance service delivery, in line with the reform agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister disclosed that the document was developed through extensive consultations involving key stakeholders, including the Police Service Commission, Federal Ministry of Justice, National Human Rights Commission, the Association of Retired Police Officers, development partners such as United Nations Development Programme, and civil society groups.In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, described the presentation as a major milestone toward building a more accountable and globally competitive police institution.
The new regulations replace the outdated 1943 Police framework and introduce several key reforms. Among them is the provision empowering the IGP to establish special task forces or quick response units to address emerging security threats, with clearly defined mandates and timelines.The guidelines also set new recruitment standards, requiring prospective constables to pass written examinations in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge, all conducted in English.Additionally, the regulations mandate that unclaimed property in police custody for over one year be disposed of through public auction, subject to due notice in national newspapers.
They also empower the IGP to recall retired officers with relevant expertise to serve in advisory or think-tank capacities for addressing specific security challenges.A critical provision requires that suspects be charged to court within 48 hours of arrest—or within three days in difficult terrains—reinforcing due process and human rights compliance.Responding, IGP Disu pledged full implementation of the new regulations, describing them as a reflection of a collective commitment to reform the police.“Together, we will build trust and a safer Nigeria,” he said.
