By Augustine Ehikioya
The new Inspector General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Disu, has handed down strict warning to Police Managers in the country.
He warned that going forward, no misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest or detention will be condoned under his leadership,
IGP Disu spoke in Abuja on Wednesday during his maiden Conference With Strategic Police Managers.
According to him, professionalism, accountability, and transparency, will not be a mere slogan in the Nigeria Police Force, but a standard to be followed.
He said “Under my leadership, professionalism, accountability, and transparency shall not be slogans, they shall be standards.
“We must be clear-eyed about our realities. In an era of heightened public scrutiny and instant communication, every action of the Police reflects instantly on the entire Force and, indeed, on Nigeria itself.
“Misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest or detention, no matter how isolated erodes confidence and dishonours the uniform.
“Let me be unambiguous: such conduct will not be tolerated. Senior officers must lead by example, enforce discipline, and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times.”
Noting that while the uniform confers lawful power, he said it is conduct, words, actions, and decisions that ultimately confers legitimacy.
According to him, respect for human rights is not optional; but fundamental to professional policing and central to sustaining public trust.
“The Nigeria Police Force is, first and foremost, the people’s police, and 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.
“Any conduct that undermines these principles weakens public confidence, erodes institutional legitimacy, and will not be condoned under this leadership.
“By upholding these standards, we reinforce the rule of law and strengthen the moral authority upon which effective policing is built,” he stated.
To restore and sustain public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP said internal accountability mechanisms will be strengthened, revitalised, and insulated from undue influence.
He therefore disclosed that the Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit, and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively, independently, and without fear or favour in the investigation of misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, or unprofessional conduct.
“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing, while officers must understand that loyalty to the Force does nof extend to shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline.
“Under this leadership, 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. This administration will act firmly, fairly, and transparently to deter misconduct, reinforce discipline, and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated.
IGP Disu further disclosed that a comprehensive review of recruitment processes will be carried out to ensure that only individuals of sound character, competence, and commitment are admitted into the Nigeria Police Force.
He assured that training curricula across all Police institutions will be modernised and continuously updated to reflect emerging security realities, evolving criminal, tactics, and global best practices in law enforcement.
According to him, strong emphasis will be placed on continuous professional development, specialised skills acquisition, and periodic retraining to ensure that the officers remain effective, confident, and
professional in’the discharge of their duties.
“A modern Police Force cannot be anchored on outdated methods; it must be adaptive in strategy, knowledgeable in approach, technologically proficient, and forward-looking in outlook.
“Community, policing will be a central pillar of our operational philosophy. Policing cannot succeed in isolation from the communities we serve. I will insist on the full and practical implementation of community policing across all commands and formations.”
He said commissioners of Police must prioritise sustained engagement with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups, and others.
“Priority will be given to strengthening our intelligence architecture, enhancing inter-unit coordination, and improving information sharing across commands and formations.
“We will invest deliberately in modern investigative tools, digital and cyber forensics, data analytics, surveillance technologies, and scientific crime-scene management to ensure that our responses are proactive rather than reactive.
“By doing so, wę will stay ahead of evolving criminal networks, disrupt transnational threats, and reinforce the Nigeria Police Force as a capable, modern, and credible lead agency in the nation’s internal security architecture.”
With the 2027 General Elections fast approaching, he said the police responsibility to the nation is heightened and non-negotiable.
“The credibility of the electoral process, the stability of our democracy, and the confidence of the Nigerian people will depend largely on the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency in election security management. In the discharge of thisiduty, the Police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.
“We will secure the electoral process before, during, and after the elections; protect democratic institutions, electoral officials, voters, and critical infrastructure; and ensure that every Nigerian can exercise their civic rights freely, peacefully, and without fear or intimidation.”
Crowd management and public order duties, he said, will be carried out with restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.
“The use of force, where unavoidable, must always be lawful, measured, and accountable. While we will work in close coordination with the Armed Forces, sister security agencies, and the intelligence community to deliver a seamless and unified election security+ framework, the Nigeria Police Force will retain and discharge its leadership role with clarity of command and responsibility.”
IGP Disu also warned that there will be zero tolerance for partisanship, misconduct, or abuse of authority.
“Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable.
“There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” he stated.
He assured that Officers welfare will be a central focus of his administration, adding “Issues of housing, remuneration, pensions, health, and overall well-being will receive deliberate and sustained attention.
“We will pursue policies and partnerships that improve living conditions and provide psychological and emotional support for our personnel. When officers are cared for, morale improves; when morale improves, performance follows Change is not coming, it is here. And it will be change for the better.”
IGP Disu also expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
