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By Faheem Lawal
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has pledged to promote inclusive policing by ensuring greater involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in policing operations.
Disu also assured that the Nigeria Police Force would put measures in place to enable PWDs exercise their civic rights, including voting during the forthcoming general elections, without intimidation or discrimination.
The IGP gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from TAF Africa at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TAF Africa, Dr Jake Epelle.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedo, other members of the delegation included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Brenda Anyanwu; Executive Director of TAF Africa, Mayowa Aderibigbe; and Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Agaba Jacob.
Speaking during the visit, Epelle commended the IGP for what he described as the administration’s deliberate efforts to embrace inclusive policing in the discharge of its mandate to protect lives and property.
He also praised the professionalism of police personnel deployed during the recently concluded off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun State election.
Epelle urged the IGP to further develop a smart security architecture that would adequately accommodate the needs of Persons Living with Disabilities.
He also sought the IGP’s approval to declare open the first Inclusive Security Summit, which is expected to be funded by the European Union.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Brenda Anyanwu, called for stronger strategic collaboration between the organisation and the Force Gender Unit to promote gender inclusivity within the Nigeria Police Force.
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Agaba Jacob, advocated greater involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities in policing, particularly in intelligence-related assignments.
He also called for enhanced protection for PWDs, whom he described as among the most vulnerable groups to criminal activities, including sexual offences.
The delegation further called for the adoption of disability-focused policing and the development of structured frameworks for effective engagement between police personnel and the PWD community.
Responding, Disu described the visit as an eye-opener and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that police personnel are adequately trained and retrained on effective, respectful and dignified engagement with Persons Living with Disabilities.
The IGP assured the delegation that the Force would continue to promote inclusive policing and pledged greater involvement of PWDs in policing activities, particularly in preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
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