Police reforms: IGP appoints DCP Abubakar to head newly restructured monitoring unit

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has sanctioned a thorough restructuring of the Police Monitoring Unit as part of ongoing institutional reforms designed to improve operational efficiency, bolster internal oversight, and enhance discipline throughout the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid said that this restructuring is driven by the necessity to realign the Unit with its primary responsibilities, rectify identified operational shortcomings, and reposition it as a credible and effective mechanism for internal accountability within the Force.

The statement said as part of the reorganization, the Unit has been streamlined and fortified to improve proactive monitoring, intelligence-led inspections, and real-time oversight of police personnel and operations across Commands, Formations, and Departments.

The statement said that the newly structured framework also integrates key investigative and monitoring functions in accordance with the Force’s reform agenda.

It said as a result, the Inspector-General of Police has approved a leadership transition within the Unit, appointing Deputy Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar as the Head of the Police Monitoring Team to supervise the operations of the restructured Unit.

Before his appointment, he held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both the FCT and Rivers State Police Commands, where he was instrumental in high-profile investigations.

During this time, he collaborated closely with state leadership to modernize investigative methods and enhance operational efficiency. He is widely recognized by colleagues and stakeholders as a community-focused and professional officer, known for fostering transparency and engagement in policing.

The IGP added that the reform aims to establish professionalism, discipline, and transparency within the Force, highlighting that the Monitoring Unit will be pivotal in identifying operational deficiencies, enforcing standards, and ensuring accountability at all levels.