The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has revealed that the Nigeria Police Force is keeping a close watch on certain Islamic organisations in the country amid the deepening crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking on Wednesday shortly after taking the oath of office at the State House in Abuja, Disu said intelligence reports indicate that global developments, particularly the growing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, could have ripple effects in Nigeria.
According to him, the police are adopting proactive intelligence strategies to prevent any potential unrest.
“This is what we call intelligence-led policing. Our ears are to the ground,” the IGP said.
“We are aware that Nigeria has different Islamic sects, and some of them have ideological leanings towards parts of the Middle East. If anything escalates there, it could have repercussions here.”
The IGP stressed that security operatives have intensified patrols nationwide and are engaging community and religious leaders to discourage any form of violence.
“You can see our officers on patrol across the country. More importantly, we are holding discussions with relevant groups to ensure that no one takes the law into their own hands,” he added.
Tensions in the Middle East heightened over the weekend following reported airstrikes and retaliatory missile attacks between regional powers, raising fears of a broader conflict. Several countries have since issued travel advisories to their citizens.
Nigeria hosts various Islamic movements with differing international affiliations.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is widely known for its pro-Iran stance, while other Sunni groups maintain ties with Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations.
Past conflicts in the Middle East have sparked protests in parts of northern Nigeria and other cities, occasionally resulting in clashes with security agencies.
Disu assured Nigerians that the police are determined to forestall any violent demonstrations or attacks that may be inspired by foreign events.
On the issue of State Police, the IGP disclosed that he has set up an internal committee to articulate the position of the Nigeria Police Force on the proposed constitutional amendment.
“We constituted a committee this morning to examine the matter of State Police from the perspective of the Nigeria Police,” he said.
“We do not want a situation where decisions are taken without our input.”
He emphasised that the Force does not see the creation of State Police as a threat.
“State Police has come to stay. It is not about taking over anyone’s job; it is about partnership. The Nigeria Police is not afraid,” Disu stated.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly advocated constitutional reforms to allow for state-controlled policing structures, arguing that decentralised security would better address local challenges.
The IGP also pledged to prioritise the welfare and motivation of police personnel, describing policing as a high-risk profession.
“Only a well-motivated officer can give their best. Our job is extremely demanding,” he said.
“There was a year when we lost over a hundred officers in the line of duty. Many of our men barely see their families because of the nature of the work.”
He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would support efforts to improve working conditions within the Force.
Disu reassured Nigerians that the police remain vigilant and committed to maintaining peace and order, particularly at a time of heightened global uncertainty.
