ABUJA:  In a sweeping move to reform the internal oversight mechanisms of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has ordered the immediate dismantling of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The directive includes the mass redeployment of 88 personnel previously attached to the unit and the IGP Monitoring Unit.

Restructuring and Personnel Changes 

The restructuring marks a significant shift in the Force’s investigative hierarchy. According to high-ranking police sources, the personnel being transferred include officers who served under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, the immediate past head of the IGP Monitoring Unit.

The functions of the now-defunct SIU are expected to be absorbed by a reconstituted IGP Monitoring Unit. This new formation will be led by Aliyu Abubakar, who recently assumed command with a mandate to instill a higher degree of accountability and professionalism. Abubakar, who also oversees the Police Mobile Unit (PMU), is tasked with executing special assignments and ensuring the unit operates within the bounds of global best practices.

Background on the Leadership Transition

The removal of Fakorede follows a period of intense public scrutiny. In early March 2026, he was officially replaced by Abubakar and subsequently placed on a 40-day mandatory leave. Upon his return, he is expected to resume duties as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Research.

Fakorede’s tenure as head of the Monitoring Unit, which began in December 2024, was frequently shadowed by controversy. Civil society organizations and human rights advocates had expressed vocal opposition to his appointment, citing his previous record as a commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Allegations and Public Criticism

The overhaul comes amid a series of allegations leveled against the unit’s previous leadership, including:

• Human Rights Concerns: Allegations of unprofessional conduct and bias, specifically regarding a land dispute at River Park Estate in Abuja involving international investors and the alleged harassment of journalists.

• Political Friction: In September 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly criticized Fakorede’s history, referencing past reports from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that raised concerns regarding election-related duties.

• Investigative Integrity: Reports surfaced in February 2025 alleging that the unit had been slow to act in the case of Jesam Michael, the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), who was accused of orchestrating a significant financial fraud affecting thousands of investors.

A New Mandate for Accountability

The Nigeria Police Force maintains that these changes are part of a broader internal reform strategy aimed at restoring public confidence. The newly reorganized Monitoring Unit under Aliyu Abubakar is expected to serve as a streamlined body focused on transparency and the ethical oversight of police operations nationwide.