The 23rd Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged sweeping reforms anchored on professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights as he formally addressed strategic police managers following his assumption of office.
Speaking at a high-level conference with senior officers, the new police chief said his appointment marks the beginning of a new administrative phase for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), stressing that public trust would be central to his leadership.
H4 stated, “Following my assumption of office as IGP, this marks the beginning of a new administrative face. I am conscious of the expectations of Nigerians from the police. The Nigeria Police exist to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law. These are not abstract ideas; they are daily obligations.”
Disu emphasised that the authority of the police derives from public confidence, warning that weakened trust diminishes operational effectiveness. He said that under his leadership, professionalism, accountability, and transparency would become institutional standards rather than slogans.
In an era of heightened public scrutiny and instant communication, the IGP reminded officers that every action of a policeman reflects on the entire Force.
He stressed that authority is strongest when exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment, adding that respect for human rights is fundamental to professional policing and sustaining public trust.
According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force is first and foremost the people’s police. Our continued relevance depends on the confidence the public places in us. Every Nigerian, irrespective of status, belief or background, must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”
He warned that any conduct undermining these principles would not be condoned, noting that such actions erode institutional legitimacy and public confidence.
To restore and sustain trust, Disu announced plans to strengthen and insulate internal accountability mechanisms from undue influence.
He said the Force Provost, the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), and the IGP Monitoring Unit would be empowered to operate independently and decisively in investigating misconduct.
He declared, “The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. There will be no sacred cows. Rank, seniority, or position will offer no protection. Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable.”
He encouraged citizens to report wrongdoing, assuring them of protection and responsiveness, while reminding officers that loyalty to the Force does not extend to shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline.
On recruitment, the IGP said the Force would review its processes to ensure that only individuals of sound character, competence, and commitment are enlisted.
Disu also reaffirmed community policing as a central pillar of his operational philosophy, directing Commissioners of Police nationwide to prioritize sustained engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations.
He noted, “Policing cannot succeed in isolation from the communities we serve,” insisting on the full and practical implementation of community policing strategies across all commands and formations.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the IGP described election security as a non-negotiable national responsibility, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy depend largely on the conduct of the police.
Disu pointed out, “The Police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in decision-making, and professional in conduct. We will secure the electoral process before, during, and after the elections, protect democratic institutions, electoral officers, voters, and critical infrastructure, and ensure every Nigerian can exercise their civic rights freely and without intimidation.”
He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for partisanship, abuse of authority or violations of electoral laws, warning that any officer found compromising neutrality would face immediate disciplinary action, including prosecution.
The conference marks the first major policy engagement by the new IGP with senior police leadership, setting the tone for what he described as a reform-driven administration focused on restoring discipline, strengthening accountability and rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
