The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has urged newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Disu made the call on Tuesday during the decoration ceremony for the newly promoted senior officers held at the Force Headquarters.
The IGP congratulated the officers on their promotions, describing their elevation as recognition of their dedication, resilience and years of service to the Nigeria Police Force.
He, however, reminded them that their new positions came with increased responsibilities and expectations, urging them to justify the confidence placed in them by the Force.
Disu also acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by police officers throughout their careers, including difficult working conditions and long periods away from their families.
“I understand the toll of serving under such circumstances because many of you have personally borne those burdens. Missed birthdays, months spent away from home, nights in the field while your families yearned for your presence. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
The police chief told the newly promoted officers that their conduct would influence younger personnel and shape the future of the Force.
“This rank is not merely a reward for past achievements. It represents the Force’s confidence in your future contributions. Your character will serve as the example, and your discipline will set the standard,” Disu said.
He charged the officers to uphold ethical standards and avoid corruption, misconduct and abuse of authority.
“I expect you to lead with unwavering integrity, exhibiting zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, abuse of power, or corruption. Additionally, I expect you to lead with compassion,” the IGP stated.
Disu also urged the senior officers to pay attention to the welfare of personnel under their command, stressing that effective leadership requires genuine concern for the people they lead.
He reiterated the commitment of the police leadership to transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, intelligence-led and technology-driven institution capable of responding effectively to security challenges.
“We must persist in our efforts to create a modern, intelligent, and technology-oriented police force, but we must never forget the underlying purpose—safer streets, safeguarded families, and communities that have faith in us,” he said.
According to the IGP, public confidence is essential to effective policing, as citizens are more likely to share critical information with security agencies when they trust them.
“Public trust is not merely a public relations initiative. It represents the distinction between obtaining information that can save lives and the silence that ensues when trust is eroded,” Disu said.
The IGP assured the officers that the police leadership would continue to prioritise their welfare, professional training and career development.
He also encouraged them to mentor junior officers and uphold the core values of the Force.
Disu commended the families of the newly promoted officers for the sacrifices and support they provided throughout their careers.
“To the families present here today, this rank is as much yours as it is the officers’. Every assignment you faced alone, every concern you bore in silence, and every sacrifice you made without acknowledgement contributed to this accomplishment,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the police and commended the Police Service Commission for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible promotion exercise.
The IGP urged the newly decorated officers to remain humble and lead by example, saying their conduct should inspire confidence among both police personnel and members of the public.
“Lead in a way that inspires hope. Together, we will continue to build a Nigeria Police Force that is professional, disciplined, accountable and unwavering in its service to the people of Nigeria,” Disu said.
