‘No sacred cows anymore’ – IGP Disu issues marching orders to Nigerian police officers
Nigeria Police Force Pledges Accountability Under New Leadership
ABUJA — Tunji Disu, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, announced a commitment to increased accountability and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force, declaring that “no officer is above the law.”
Disu made the remarks during an inaugural conference for strategic police managers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre on Wednesday. He emphasized that under his leadership, neither rank nor position would shield officers from accountability.
“The Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law,” Disu stated, underscoring that these responsibilities must be fulfilled daily. He highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust, noting that any erosion of this trust would diminish the effectiveness of the police.
Speaking on the standards he intends to uphold, Disu said professionalism, accountability, and transparency will not merely be slogans but will form the foundation of the Force. “In an era of heightened public scrutiny, every action of the police reflects on the entire organization and Nigeria itself,” he said.
Disu condemned various forms of misconduct, including abuse of power, corruption, and unlawful detentions, asserting that such actions erode public confidence and dishonor the police uniform. “Let me be unambiguous: such conduct will not be tolerated,” he stated.
He called on senior officers to lead by example, enforce discipline, and adhere to ethical standards. “Authority is strongest when exercised with restraint and fairness,” he remarked. Disu stressed that respect for human rights is essential for professional policing and is crucial to maintaining public trust.
The Acting Inspector-General reiterated that the police serve the public and must treat all citizens—regardless of status—with dignity and respect. He pledged to fortify internal accountability mechanisms to ensure investigations are conducted without undue influence.
“The Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit, and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively and independently,” he announced. Officers found guilty of misconduct will face swift disciplinary action, including possible dismissal or prosecution.
In addition, Disu affirmed plans to review recruitment processes to ensure that new officers exhibit sound character, competence, and dedication. He emphasized that loyalty to the Force must not equate to shielding wrongdoing or condoning indiscipline.
This administration, Disu concluded, will act firmly and transparently to deter misconduct and rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
