The Lagos State University Alumni Association has backed the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, over his ongoing reforms aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
The National President of the association, Norrison Quakers, SAN, stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Disu.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the association’s General Secretary, Prof. Surajudeen Mudashiru, the visit was to identify with Disu as an alumnus of the institution and commend the reforms he had initiated since assuming office.
Quakers praised the IG’s commitment to police welfare, inter-agency collaboration, state police and other measures aimed at strengthening the force.
He said Disu had demonstrated an excellent track record in various leadership positions, from his time with the Intelligence Response Team to his appointments as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The alumni president described Disu’s appointment as IG as a step in the right direction, citing his policy direction and the measures he had taken towards achieving his objectives.
“Basically, the essence of the visit goes beyond just acknowledging the fact that he is one of us, a graduate of LASU, and the level he has attained in terms of his career and profession.
“It is also to bring to bear the policy thrust of his administration as the chief security officer of the nation, particularly at a time when security is an issue in this part of the world,” Quakers said.
He noted that intelligence gathering was central to the I-G’s strategy for tackling insecurity.
“If you look and listen to him when he came on board, one of the things that he highlighted was that, to fight insecurity, you must also embark on intelligence,” he added.
Quakers also commended Disu’s support for decentralising the police and establishing state police, describing the position as evidence of selflessness.
“A few minutes ago, I was reflecting on this, and I said, if I were in his shoes, would I give in to decentralising the force that I’m in charge of?
“Will it not result in losing control, influence and power? So it takes a selfless person to come up with that kind of idea,” he said.
The LASU alumni president further praised Disu for his longstanding advocacy for state police, adding that a recent video showing the IG with a retired female police officer who had attained the rank of commissioner reflected his character.
He commended the police chief for supporting the retired officer.
Responding, Disu thanked the delegation for the visit, saying LASU had fulfilled the aspirations of its founding fathers through the achievements of its graduates in various fields, including sports, law and administration.
The IG also acknowledged the contributions of members of the alumni association to policing, particularly through the provision of timely information about the conduct of police officers.
“They give me information I need everywhere to be able to act quickly.
“So when you see me react quickly or see successes of our operations, it has to do with my secondary school and my university mates,” he said.
Disu said policing had become increasingly difficult, noting that the security situation in northern Nigeria was more challenging than in the southern part of the country.
He added that police officers, military personnel and other security agencies were making sacrifices to reduce crime across the country.
“Every day we face difficult situations. The police, military and other sister agencies are working, coordinating with one another to ensure that crime is brought down to the barest minimum,” he said.
The IG lamented the loss of officers in the line of duty, saying their sacrifices remained central to the security agencies’ efforts to protect the country.