The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have agreed to strengthen professional collaboration and communication as part of efforts to improve the administration of justice and public safety in Nigeria.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, when the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, received the NBA President, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), and members of the Association’s National Executive Committee at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Badejo-Okusanya called for closer cooperation between the Police and the legal profession, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and improved engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar.
She also called for an end to recurring confrontations between lawyers and police officers, stressing that both professions have complementary roles in the justice system.
The NBA President further disclosed that the Association was working on a UNICEF-supported initiative aimed at improving children’s access to justice.
She said the initiative includes a proposal for a police lawyer to be available at every police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
According to her, such an arrangement would help ensure that vulnerable children receive adequate protection and legal assistance throughout the justice process.
Responding, IGP Disu congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence as NBA President and described the meeting as an opportunity to establish a stronger and more structured relationship between the Police and the legal profession.
The IGP said respect for individuals, offices and professions must remain central to interactions between both institutions.
He noted that while lawyers are primarily concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the Police are responsible for protecting lives and property, their responsibilities ultimately converge in the administration of justice.
Disu also called for greater professionalism in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving police officers.
He urged members of the public to avoid turning the difficult circumstances under which police personnel operate into social media entertainment, stressing that officers should not be subjected to ridicule while carrying out their constitutional duties.
The IGP identified improved professional engagement, reducing delays in criminal trials and establishing a dedicated Nigeria Police Force/NBA communication mechanism as key areas for sustained cooperation.
He said the proposed mechanism would provide a structured channel for both institutions to address professional concerns, improve coordination and resolve disagreements before they develop into unnecessary confrontations.
Disu acknowledged that differences could arise between lawyers and police officers in the course of their duties but maintained that such disagreements should be handled with professionalism, respect and civility.
He assured the NBA leadership of his readiness to work with the Association towards building a stronger partnership focused on justice, professionalism and public safety.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to collaborating with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to protect fundamental rights, improve access to justice and strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.
