Security Expert Calls for Overhaul of Police Leadership Selection in Nigeria

Lawyer and security analyst Charles Omole has called for major reforms in Nigeria’s policing system, including a review of how the country appoints its Inspectors-General of Police (IGPs).

Speaking at the June 12, 2026 edition of The Platform, a national discourse event organised by the Covenant Nation, Omole argued that the pool of candidates eligible to lead the Nigeria Police Force should be expanded beyond the traditional rank-and-file structure.

According to him, the position of Inspector-General should not necessarily be restricted to serving senior police officers, noting that the highest professional rank in policing globally is that of Commissioner.

“The highest professional policing rank in the world is Commissioner. Any position above Commissioner is essentially political,” Omole said. “Therefore, an Inspector-General of Police does not have to emerge solely from within the existing police hierarchy. We need to gradually broaden the pool from which police chiefs are selected.”

He explained that such a change should form part of a broader package of reforms that could accompany the introduction of state policing in Nigeria.

Omole also stressed the need for Nigeria to prioritise police reform as a cornerstone of internal security, arguing that the police should be regarded as the country's primary security institution.

“We must focus on reforming the police as the leading institution responsible for internal security,” he said. “While some countries operate without standing armed forces, there is no country in the world without a police force.”

To support his argument, he cited nations such as Costa Rica, Iceland, Panama, and Mauritius, which function without conventional militaries yet maintain relatively peaceful societies through effective law enforcement and security structures.

“These countries demonstrate that strong policing institutions can play a critical role in maintaining peace and public order,” Omole noted. “Because every nation depends on a police force, our police should receive greater attention and priority.”

The security expert maintained that strengthening the police through institutional reforms, improved leadership selection processes, and increased investment would significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to tackle internal security challenges and improve public safety.

His remarks formed part of broader discussions at The Platform, where speakers examined governance, democracy, security, and national development as Nigeria marked Democracy Day.