A legacy of service: DIG Jonathan Towuru’s inspiring career in law enforcement
Maintaining law and order across Nigeria’s vast 853,000 square kilometers requires disciplined and diligent police leadership, given its single police command structure within a federal administration. Such leadership isn’t simply a product of promotion; rather, it’s built on a broad range of experience and expertise gained from operational command in diverse departments, divisions, and commands.
Given the demands of this role, exceptional police officers with such a strong profile are rare. However, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found a standout candidate in Jonathan Towuru, who embodies the key attributes of a strong police officer. These include law enforcement skills such as crime prevention, investigation, and emergency response, as well as essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and ethical judgment – attributes that are particularly vital in today’s complex Nigeria.
Effective policing hinges on a strong partnership between the community and law enforcement, where officers serve as guardians and uphold public trust through integrity, consistency, and compassion in applying the law. This approach is guided by key principles, including fostering public trust and respect, promoting collaboration, ensuring fairness and consistency in enforcing rules for all communities, and holding officers accountable for misconduct to maintain confidence in the system.
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With over 35 years of transformative leadership, DIG Towuru has redefined policing excellence in Nigeria and beyond. His extensive experience in leadership roles across various crucial operations and departments has earned him a reputation as a standout leader. Serving in multiple geo-political zones, Towuru’s career trajectory is marked by notable postings, including Assistant Commissioner of Police, State CID in Enugu (2011); Deputy Force Secretary II, Force Headquarters, Abuja (2012); Deputy Commandant, Police College, Maiduguri, Borno State (2014); Commissioner of Police, Western Port, Apapa, Lagos (2022); and Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River State. Throughout his career, Towuru has honed his skills in building strong relationships between communities and law enforcement officers
As the head of The Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Towuru’s leadership skills shone brightly. FCID, Nigeria Police’s highest investigating arm, is responsible for probing and prosecuting serious and complex crimes nationally and internationally, while coordinating crime investigations and prosecution across the force. Under Towuru’s stewardship, the FCID pioneered Nigeria’s most advanced investigative ecosystem, harnessing cutting-edge forensics, inter-agency fusion centers, and AI-driven crime analytics. His leadership has been marked by high-stakes crisis response, transnational crime dismantling, and mentorship of Africa’s next-generation security leaders.
DIG Jonathan Towuru’s appointment as Commander Director of the Nigeria Section at the International Police Academy – UNIPOL was a fitting international recognition of his outstanding contributions to policing. The academy described him as a master strategist who has “redefined policing excellence in Nigeria and beyond,” with a career marked by innovation, integrity and institutional impact in national security, criminal justice reform and international counterterrorism. Some of his notable achievements include exceptional contributions to national security, law enforcement leadership, and international cooperation, notably designing Nigeria’s intelligence-driven policing model that reduced violent crime by 40% in operational commands. He has held various leadership positions and received several awards and recognitions for his service, including a Presidential Commendation for foiling electoral violence plots in 2023 and being featured by the UNODC for his work on port security innovation. Overall, DIG Towuru’s appointment to the International Police Academy – UNIPOL is a testament to his dedication to advancing policing standards and his commitment to public service.
DIG Jonathan Towuru has been instrumental in Nigeria’s law enforcement advancements, playing a key role in establishing the country’s digital forensic hub and successfully solving over 500 high-profile cybercrimes. His expertise extends beyond Nigeria, having advised five African governments on police modernization. Notably, he made significant contributions to counterinsurgency efforts, training over 2,000 officers in counterinsurgency tactics under his leadership and authoring the Force’s Community Policing Doctrine.
His appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police on January 8, 2025, representing the South-South zone and serving as a member of the senior Police Management Team, marked a significant milestone. Shortly after, on January 22, 2025, he was redeployed to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), aimed at enhancing the department’s capabilities in tackling complex criminal investigations and improving crime management nationwide.
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As DIG Jonathan Towuru continues to lead and innovate in law enforcement, his dedication to safety, security, and community trust remains unwavering. With a career spanning decades and numerous achievements, he sets a shining example for future generations of law enforcement leaders. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire a safer, more secure Nigeria for all.
