The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has warned newly-promoted officers against indiscipline and abuse of office in their respective commands, vowing to hold them responsible for the misconduct of their personnel.
The police chief gave the charge on Monday at the decoration ceremony of senior officers recently elevated to the ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), and Commissioner of Police (CP) in Abuja.
While describing the promotion as a strategic investment in leadership, Disu restated his people-centred policing philosophy, highlighting the urgent need for an institutional reform.
According to him, the promotion is a “formal recognition of merit, discipline, and proven capacity. It is also a strategic investment in leadership at a time when our nation demands a more effective, accountable, and responsive Police Force.
“Your elevation is the outcome of a deliberate, merit-based process designed to reinforce professionalism, competence, and integrity within the Force. You have earned this advancement through years of service and demonstrated ability.
“However, let me state clearly, this promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility. It places you under greater scrutiny and demands a higher standard of leadership, judgment, and conduct. From this moment, you are no longer just senior officers; you are strategic leaders of this institution. You are expected to lead from the front.
Your actions, decisions, and personal conduct must reflect discipline, integrity, and absolute respect for the rule of law. There will be zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, or dereliction of duty under your command. You must take full responsibility for the conduct of your personnel.
Supervision must be firm, consistent, and effective. You must know what is happening within your Commands at all times. Lax supervision breeds misconduct; strong leadership enforces standards. I will hold you accountable for both operational outcomes and the behaviour of officers under your authority”..
On his policing vision, he noted: “Let me also emphasise that the Nigeria Police Force under my leadership is firmly committed to people-oriented policing.
“This is not optional, it is a core operational principle. You must ensure that policing in your jurisdiction is driven by professionalism, respect for human rights, and responsiveness to the public’s needs.
“Our officers must be visible, approachable, and accountable. The era of policing that alienates the people is over. We must build trust deliberately and consistently. Intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and effective law enforcement are all strengthened when the public has confidence in us.
“You are also to drive reform within your areas of responsibility. Embrace innovation, strengthen operational efficiency, and eliminate outdated practices that do not align with modern policing standards. We must evolve as a Force, operationally, technologically, and ethically”.
In furtherance of this reform agenda, the former AIG in charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Lagos, informed that all newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police will proceed on a strategic leadership retreat commencing tomorrow.
