IGP, Burna Boy move to rebuild Police trust

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has enlisted Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy in efforts to rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly among young Nigerians.

Disu hosted the singer, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, at the Police House in Lagos on Saturday, where they discussed how the creative industry could help bridge the widening gap between the police and the public.

The engagement comes amid persistent concerns over police-public relations and the confidence of young Nigerians in security agencies.

The IGP said the meeting formed part of his administration’s efforts to engage influential stakeholders across society in improving public confidence in the police.

Disu stressed that the entertainment industry, given its enormous influence on young Nigerians, could help shape public conversations about policing and strengthen understanding between officers and the communities they serve.

He said the police were willing to work with the creative sector to promote constructive dialogue and improve relations with citizens.

Burna Boy, who won the Grammy Award for his 2021 album, Twice as Tall, expressed support for the initiative.

The singer pledged his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at improving relations between the police and Nigerians, particularly the younger generation.

The meeting also highlights the growing recognition by security authorities of the influence of popular culture in shaping public opinion and youth attitudes towards government institutions.

For the police, however, rebuilding public confidence will likely depend not only on celebrity-backed campaigns but also on how Nigerians experience policing in their communities.

The engagement between Disu and Burna Boy therefore places the creative industry at the centre of a broader conversation about police accountability, public confidence and the relationship between security agencies and citizens.