The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to see their elevation not as a reward, but as a call to greater responsibility, accountability, and leadership.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony of officers promoted to the ranks of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, the IGP emphasised that the promotion was a recognition of merit, discipline, and proven capacity.
Disu noted that the advancement followed a deliberate, merit-based process aimed at strengthening professionalism, competence, and integrity within the Force. He congratulated the officers but warned that their new ranks come with heightened expectations.
“From this moment, you are no longer just senior officers; you are strategic leaders of this institution,” he said, stressing that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, or dereliction of duty.
The police chief underscored the importance of firm and consistent supervision, noting that effective leadership is key to maintaining discipline and achieving operational success. He added that senior officers would be held accountable not only for operational outcomes but also for the conduct of personnel under their command.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to people-oriented policing, Disu said officers must prioritise professionalism, respect for human rights, and responsiveness to public needs. He urged them to build trust with communities through visibility, accountability, and engagement.
“The era of policing that alienates the people is over. We must deliberately build public confidence,” he stated.
The IGP also tasked the officers with driving reforms within their jurisdictions by embracing innovation, improving efficiency, and discarding outdated practices inconsistent with modern policing standards.
As part of ongoing reform efforts, Disu announced that newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and AIGs would participate in a mandatory strategic leadership retreat beginning March 24, 2026. The retreat, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, will focus on transformational leadership and modern policing practices.
Highlighting mentorship as a critical responsibility, the IGP urged the officers to nurture younger personnel and uphold the highest professional standards to secure the future of the Force.
He further disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force would host the second edition of National Police Day on April 7, 2026, featuring a week-long programme of activities including medical outreach and community engagement initiatives nationwide.
Disu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for security sector reforms and commended the Police Service Commission for ensuring transparency and credibility in the promotion process.
The ceremony, he said, reflected the Force’s renewed commitment to merit-based career progression and institutional reform aimed at enhancing service delivery and public trust.
