The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a strong warning to Commissioners of Police across Nigeria, declaring that illegal detention, abuse of office and other forms of misconduct will no longer be tolerated within the Nigeria Police Force.
The warning comes at a time when public concerns over police conduct continue to attract national attention.
Moreover, the police chief stressed that restoring public trust requires disciplined leadership, respect for human rights and strict compliance with the law at every level of policing.
Speaking during the Inspector-General of Police Meeting with Police Strategic Managers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja.
Addressing senior police officers, the IGP reminded Commissioners of Police that they occupy strategic leadership positions and must set the standard for every officer under their command.
He stressed that leadership is not defined by rank alone but by integrity, discipline and the confidence leaders inspire within their commands.
“Effective policing starts with effective leadership. As commissioners of police and strategic commanders, you are custodians of public confidence in your commands.
“Leadership is not measured by the authority you hold, but by the standards you set, the confidence you inspire and the results you deliver,” the IGP said.
Furthermore, Disu instructed police commanders to ensure that their commands remain operationally prepared while maintaining professionalism and protecting the rights of every citizen.
He warned that any conduct capable of damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force would not be accepted.
“Corruption, extortion, abuse of authority, unlawful detention and other unethical conduct undermine the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to deliver effective service.”
The police chief explained that public confidence can only grow when officers act fairly, professionally and within the limits of the law.
Therefore, he urged every Commissioner of Police to strengthen internal discipline across their commands.
In addition, Disu called for greater investment in community policing, describing it as one of the most effective ways to prevent crime before it occurs.
According to him, police commands should deepen their engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women associations and other community stakeholders.
He noted that meaningful partnerships with local communities remain essential for improving security nationwide.
“Community policing is not a side programme; it is the foundation on which effective policing rests. Our engagement with the communities we serve must be genuine, because their partnership is central to crime prevention,” Disu said.
Moreover, the IGP stated that modern policing demands more than operational skills alone.
He said today’s police leaders must also demonstrate sound judgment, emotional intelligence and effective communication when dealing with both officers and members of the public.
Meanwhile, the event also featured the decoration of newly promoted senior officers.
Disu officially decorated 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 17 newly promoted Commissioners of Police.
The ceremony was attended by their spouses, family members and other well-wishers.
While congratulating the newly promoted officers, the police chief reminded them that promotion comes with greater responsibility.
He urged them to lead with honesty, fairness and accountability while maintaining zero tolerance for corruption and professional misconduct.
According to him, every decision taken by senior officers directly affects public confidence in the police institution.
Furthermore, he encouraged the officers to serve as role models by enforcing discipline within their commands and ensuring that justice is applied fairly.
