Oct 10, 2026

IGP Appoints SP Awu Fidelis Jonah as Head of Police Complaint Response Unit

By Afolai Olaiya Idowu in world

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Abuja, Nigeria—October 9, 2026—In a move aimed at deepening internal accountability and restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police (SP) Awu Fidelis Jonah as the substantive Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU).

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, from Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The IGP said the appointment forms part of ongoing efforts to improve responsiveness to public complaints and ensure professional, rights-respecting policing.

A Pioneer Who Rose Through the Ranks

SP Awu is no newcomer to the CRU. He was among the unit’s pioneer members and steadily rose through various operational and supervisory roles to become Second-in-Command before this elevation.

His hands-on experience covers complaint handling, call-center operations, citizen engagement, supervision, and institutional accountability.

Beyond the CRU, the new head brings a solid professional résumé. He holds a Higher National Diploma from the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa; a Postgraduate Diploma in Crime Management; a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice System from Kaduna State University; and a Master’s degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

He is also a graduate of the Advanced Detective Course 67 at the Police Staff College, Jos, and has received specialized training in human rights and professional policing.

Between 2022 and 2023, SP Awu served as Deputy Contingent Commander of the Formed Police Unit Contingent 11 in Mogadishu, Somalia.

That international assignment expanded his leadership and operational experience in a complex multinational peacekeeping environment.

Clear Charge from the IGP

IGP Disu charged the new CRU head to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ensure prompt responses to public complaints, respect human rights, and engage effectively with citizens.

He specifically directed that complaints against police personnel must be handled transparently and strictly in line with established procedures.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening internal accountability mechanisms, improving responsiveness to public concerns, and promoting people-centered policing across the country.

Why the Appointment Matters

The Complaint Response Unit remains one of the Force’s most visible tools for addressing allegations of misconduct, extortion, harassment, and rights abuses.

By placing an officer with deep institutional knowledge and proven field experience at its helm, the police leadership is signalling a continued push for greater transparency and faster resolution of public grievances.

Observers note that successive administrations have struggled with public perception of police accountability. Appointments of this nature are therefore closely watched as practical tests of reform intent.

As SP Awu Fidelis Jonah assumes full responsibility for the CRU, the expectation from both the Force hierarchy and the public is clear: complaints must be treated with seriousness, fairness, and speed.

The Nigeria Police Force says it remains committed to building a more professional and trustworthy institution. The new CRU head now carries a significant part of that responsibility.