Wilson Inalegwu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, has defended the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as one of the best on the African continent despite public criticism and ongoing debates over constitutional amendments to establish state police.
Speaking on Arise News in a video posted on YouTube on Monday, June 29, 2026, Inalegwu said, “I think we honestly have one of the best police forces on the continent of Africa.”
He attributed the force’s reputation to the performance of Nigerian officers during several United Nations peacekeeping missions, where he said they consistently demonstrated professionalism.
Inalegwu argued that the force’s challenges stem from inadequate funding, a shortage of modern operational vehicles and centralized technology, rather than deficiencies in the personnel themselves.
He cautioned against rushing into decentralised policing without first addressing these structural issues, warning that state-controlled police could be abused by politicians to target opponents and journalists. Instead, he proposed regional police commands across the six geopolitical zones as a compromise that would protect minority interests while preserving an effective federal policing system.
