Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for the role he played during the period he was placed under house arrest in 1995.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that the former Nigerian leader made this known in an interview with News Central, where he spoke about the difficult time he faced while being held under restriction during the military era. The development dates back to 1995 when Obasanjo was detained under the regime of Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo explained that during that period, a number of individuals stood by him and helped ensure his safety despite the tense situation. Among those he mentioned was the current police boss, whom he credited as one of the people who played a part in keeping him alive while he was under house arrest.
He said the experience remained one of the toughest moments in his life and added that he has not forgotten those who showed him care and support at the time. According to him, it was necessary to openly appreciate such efforts, as people who stand by others in difficult times should be remembered.
He said, “Current IGP, I have to in a special way acknowledge you because maybe the reason I am alive today is because you are one of those who kept me alive when I was under house arrest.”
Beyond his appreciation, the former president also spoke on the country’s security situation. He called for the creation of state police, saying it could help address the rising security concerns across Nigeria.
Obasanjo explained that policing at the state level would allow officers to better understand their local environment and respond more quickly to threats. He added that such a system would help tackle crimes early before they grow into wider problems.
He maintained that Nigeria needs practical steps to deal with insecurity and insisted that state police remains one of the options that could strengthen law enforcement across the country.
