Security Expert Commends IGP Disu’s Reforms, Questions Downgrading of Force PRO Position

A security analyst, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Sule, has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, for what he described as a proactive and result-oriented command philosophy, but expressed concern over the recent replacement of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) with a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

Reacting to the development on Saturday in Abuja, Dr. Sule said the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded notable operational successes, including the arrest of criminal elements across different parts of the country, the rescue of several kidnapped victims, including relatives of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and the enforcement of discipline within the Force as demonstrated by the dismissal of erring police personnel in Delta State. “The Inspector-General has shown commendable leadership in operational policing and accountability since assumption of office.

His proactive posture has inspired confidence among many stakeholders who desire a more effective, disciplined and responsive police institution,” he stated.
The security expert, however, noted that the decision to replace a DCP and member of the National Institute (mni) with a CSP as Force spokesperson appeared inconsistent with the broader aspiration of consolidating the leadership role of the Nigeria Police Force in internal security management. According to him, “The issue is not only about the competence of the Force PRO, but about the strategic status of the office and the institutional message such an appointment sends at a time when Nigerians are calling for a stronger and more influential Police Force that leads the nation’s internal security architecture.”

Dr. Sule argued that the office of the Force Public Relations Officer has evolved beyond routine media relations into a strategic leadership position that requires direct access to the highest levels of institutional decision-making. “The Force PRO is the public face of the Nigeria Police Force and the principal interpreter of its policies, reforms, operations and vision. Such a sensitive office should ideally be occupied by an officer operating within the strategic command structure of the Force. A CSP, regardless of personal competence, does not ordinarily sit within the highest policy and decision-making echelon of the organisation. The concern therefore is institutional, not personal.

“As the spokesperson of Nigeria’s lead internal security agency, the Force PRO should possess not only communication skills but also the rank, authority and strategic standing necessary to command the confidence and professional deference of his counterparts across the security sector. Today, when spokespersons and communication chiefs of security agencies converge on inter-agency platforms, the representatives of sister services are often senior officers such as Major Generals, Air Commodores, Navy Captains, Colonels, Directors and officers of equivalent status. The representative of the Nigeria Police Force, being from the nation’s lead internal security agency, should be positioned to engage such counterparts from a level of institutional parity and authority.

“In practical terms, it becomes difficult for a relatively junior officer to effectively chair, coordinate or provide leadership at strategic communication engagements involving significantly senior-ranking representatives of sister agencies. Yet, the Police spokesperson is expected to serve as the lead internal security communicator. For the Nigeria Police Force to consolidate its leadership role within the nation’s internal security architecture, its chief spokesperson must possess the rank profile, strategic exposure and institutional standing necessary to project that leadership convincingly.

“It is also important to note that the earlier appointment of a Deputy Commissioner of Police and member of the National Institute as Force PRO had set a commendable benchmark for the professionalisation of police communication. It signalled the recognition of strategic communication as a leadership function and not merely an administrative responsibility. Replacing that level of representation with a lower rank inadvertently lowers a standard that many stakeholders considered progressive and exemplary within the security sector,” he added.

While urging stakeholders not to personalise the debate, Dr. Sule appealed to the Inspector-General to reflect on the long-term institutional implications of the appointment. He noted that the Nigeria Police Force has made significant progress under the current leadership and deserves commendation for it. “My humble appeal is that the office of the Force Public Relations Officer should continue on an upward trajectory. Institutionalising the position at a strategic level would strengthen the authority and leadership aspirations of the Force, in view of consolidating the Nigeria Police Force as the undisputed lead agency in internal security management in Nigeria,” he said.