The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged newly promoted senior police officers to see their elevation not as a reward, but as a call to greater responsibility, warning that there will be zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, or dereliction of duty under their commands.
Speaking on Monday at the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers 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, the IGP said the promotion was a deliberate, merit-based step aimed at strengthening professionalism, competence, and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu described the ceremony as more than a symbolic event, noting that it represents a strategic investment in leadership at a time Nigeria requires a more effective, accountable, and responsive Police Force.
He congratulated the promoted officers, saying their elevation was earned through years of service, discipline, and proven capacity, but stressed that the new ranks come with heightened expectations.
“This promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility,” the IGP declared, adding that the officers must now function as strategic leaders whose actions, decisions, and conduct must reflect discipline, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
He warned that he would personally hold them accountable not only for operational outcomes but also for the conduct of officers under their supervision, insisting that effective leadership must be firm, consistent, and proactive.
The IGP also reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership remains firmly committed to people-oriented policing, describing it as a core operational principle rather than an optional approach.
According to him, senior officers must ensure that policing in their jurisdictions is guided by professionalism, respect for human rights, and responsiveness to public needs.
He said officers must remain visible, approachable, and accountable, stressing that the era of policing that alienates the public is over, and that building trust is essential for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and effective law enforcement.
As part of the Force’s reform agenda, Disu directed the newly promoted officers to embrace innovation, strengthen operational efficiency, and eliminate outdated practices that do not align with modern policing standards.
In furtherance of this reform drive, the IGP announced that all newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) will proceed on a strategic leadership retreat beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
He said the retreat, organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to deepen ongoing reforms with a focus on transformational leadership, professionalism, and modern policing standards.
Disu said participation in the retreat is mandatory and expected all concerned officers to fully commit to the exercise, which he said would provide a platform for critical reflection, strategic alignment, and capacity building for sustainable reforms across the Force.
The IGP further urged the newly promoted officers to prioritise mentorship, saying they must deliberately build capacity within their ranks, identify talent, and guide younger officers to uphold the highest standards of the profession.
He assured personnel that promotions in the Nigeria Police Force would continue to be based on merit, performance, and integrity, describing the exercise as part of broader institutional reforms in career progression.
On upcoming institutional activities, Disu announced that the Nigeria Police Force will host the 2nd edition of National Police Day on April 7, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional visibility, deepen community engagement, and reinforce public trust.
He disclosed that a week-long lineup of activities will begin on Monday, March 30, 2026, across all Commands and Formations, featuring medical outreach programmes, community engagement initiatives, and other interventions aimed at bringing policing closer to the people.
According to him, the celebrations will culminate in a grand parade, as well as a gala night and award ceremony on April 7, where outstanding officers will be recognised for excellence in service.
The IGP directed all Commands to ensure active participation and to execute the activities with the highest level of professionalism and visibility.
Disu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the President’s backing has been critical to ongoing police reform efforts.
He equally commended the Police Service Commission for its professionalism and transparency in the promotion process, noting that its role remains vital in sustaining fairness and credibility within the system.
