The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged officers to prioritise research and continuous learning, as he pledged closer collaboration with healthcare professionals to tackle unlicensed medical practices in Nigeria.

Mr Disu made the remarks during two separate engagements in Abuja, including a book launch by former police chief Sunday Gabriel Ehindero and a meeting with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.

Police chief highlights importance of research

At the event held at the Police Resource Centre Jabi, two books — Reflections on Policing and Security and My Adventure in Policing Nigeria were unveiled.

The ceremony was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr Disu described the publications as vital resources for modern policing.

“The publications are practical reference materials for contemporary policing,” he said.

He urged officers to embrace documentation and study evolving law enforcement practices.

“Preserving institutional memory and studying the evolution of law enforcement practice are essential to operational effectiveness and upholding the rule of law.”

Police, nurses unite against medical quackery

In a separate meeting at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police chief hosted a delegation from NANNM led by its president, Haruna Mamman.

The discussions focused on rising concerns over unlicensed medical practitioners across the country.

Mr Mamman warned that fake healthcare providers pose a serious risk to public health.

“The increasing patronage of these quackeries by unsuspecting citizens poses a severe threat to public health and undermines the integrity of the medical profession.”

He called for police intervention to curb illegal clinics and protect patients.

Shared responsibility in protecting lives

Responding, Mr Disu acknowledged the critical role of nurses and midwives in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He drew parallels between policing and nursing, describing both professions as rooted in service, empathy, and resilience.

“Both professions require expertise, integrity, empathy, and a commitment to serving people during their most vulnerable moments.”

The police chief also proposed stronger communication between the Force and healthcare bodies to support joint operations.

Why it matters

The dual engagements reflect growing concern over public safety in both law enforcement and healthcare sectors.

Experts say weak regulation and public awareness have enabled the spread of unlicensed medical services in parts of Nigeria.

Closer collaboration between police and health professionals could improve enforcement and reduce risks to patients.

What’s next

Authorities say discussions will continue on establishing joint mechanisms to identify and shut down illegal medical facilities.

Police leadership also plans to promote professional development initiatives within the Force.

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has warned Nigerian youths that drug abuse carries long-term consequences that could permanently damage their futures.

Speaking at the combined 29th and 30th convocation lecture of the University of Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Marwa said substance abuse has shifted from a street-level issue to a serious campus problem.

“A criminal record for drug offences is a life sentence on your career before it even begins,” he said.

“You cannot practice law, medicine, or engineering with a drug-related conviction.”

Why it matters

Mr Marwa said Nigeria risks losing a generation of young people to addiction, crime, and mental health challenges if urgent action is not taken.

He warned that modern drug use is no longer limited to traditional substances like cannabis but now includes synthetic opioids and designer drugs such as Colorado, Loud, and Methamphetamine.

According to him, social media has also become a new channel for drug distribution, with students increasingly involved in trafficking networks.

“Drug abuse does not affect only the user. It ripples outward—families suffer, institutions are damaged, and society bears the cost,” he added.

Alarming statistics on youth involvement

Citing national data, Mr Marwa said young Nigerians remain the most affected group.

He referenced findings from the National Drug Use and Health Survey, which showed that most users fall between the ages of 25 and 39, with many introduced to drugs as early as 19.

He also revealed that:

Over 77,000 drug offenders were arrested in the past five years

More than 60% were young people

Thousands of those treated for drug dependence were also youths

“We even see children below 15 experimenting with illicit substances,” he said.

Drug abuse and campus violence

Mr Marwa linked substance abuse to rising cases of cultism and violence in tertiary institutions.

He explained that drugs affect brain function, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of risky or criminal behaviour.

“Drug abuse is the twin brother of cultism and campus violence,” he warned.

Experts in public health say such patterns are consistent globally, where substance abuse often correlates with crime, poor academic performance, and long-term psychological damage.

Message to graduating students

Addressing graduating students directly, Mr Marwa urged them to stay focused as they enter a rapidly evolving world shaped by technology and finance.

“You are about to enter a world that is AI-powered and fintech-driven. There is no room for a clouded mind,” he said.

“If your friends require you to be ‘high’ to belong, you are in the wrong company.”

He added:

“Nigeria needs your talent, your energy, and—most importantly—your sober mind to lead us into the next decade.”

Calls for collective action

The NDLEA chairman called on universities, families, and government institutions to intensify drug education and prevention efforts.

He also praised the University of Abuja for working with the agency to strengthen campus surveillance.

“A nation cannot thrive when its youth—its greatest asset—are compromised,” he said.

“We must surmount the substance abuse challenge.”

What’s next

Mr Marwa urged tertiary institutions across Nigeria to expand drug awareness campaigns, particularly during student orientation programmes.

He said failure to act could leave young people “stranded in the wilderness of life,” while success would secure the country’s future leadership.

The Delta State Police Command has launched a statewide clean-up exercise and free medical outreach to mark the start of National Police Week 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen community trust and improve public health.

The initiative, which began on Monday, took place across all nine area commands in the state, with officers cleaning public spaces and providing free healthcare services to residents.

Why it matters

The exercise highlights a growing push for community policing in Nigeria, where law enforcement agencies are seeking to rebuild trust and deepen engagement beyond traditional security roles.

By combining sanitation efforts with healthcare outreach, the police aim to address everyday community needs while improving their public image.

Statewide clean-up and health services

Police officers were deployed across multiple locations to clear drainages, tidy public spaces, and improve environmental conditions in their jurisdictions.

At the same time, free medical services were offered at designated centres, including the police headquarters.

Residents received basic health checks, medical consultations, and essential medications.

“Policing goes beyond law enforcement”

Leading the exercise at Anioma Market, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, said the activities align with the 2026 theme, “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”

“Policing extends beyond law enforcement to include community service and meaningful engagement with the public,” he said.

He urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their homes and surroundings, adding that it is vital for healthy living.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness and essential for healthy living,” he said.

Community engagement in focus

The programme reflects a broader shift towards people-focused policing, where officers are expected to play a role in social welfare and public health.

Public reactions in similar initiatives across Nigeria have shown that such outreach programmes can improve cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

What’s next

The Delta State Police Command says it will continue activities throughout the National Police Week, focusing on initiatives that promote safety, public health, and stronger community partnerships.