Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has called on newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to embrace integrity, accountability and professionalism, urging them to avoid corruption and the misuse of authority as they assume their new responsibilities.
Speaking during their decoration ceremony at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP said the promotions reflected the officers’ years of dedication, hard work and commitment to the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the new ranks also come with greater expectations and leadership responsibilities.
Disu said senior officers must understand that their actions would influence the conduct of those under their command, stressing that they are now expected to serve as role models within the Force.
Reflecting on the realities of police service, he recognised the personal sacrifices officers and their families have made over the years.
“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 IGP reminded the officers that promotion is not simply a reward but a call to greater service.
“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,” he stated.
He urged the newly decorated officers to maintain high ethical standards and treat both colleagues and members of the public with fairness and respect.
“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 officers under your command are observing to determine if you genuinely care for them as individuals, rather than merely as personnel,” he added.
Disu also reiterated the Force’s determination to build a modern, intelligence-led and technology-driven police organisation, saying public confidence remains one of the strongest tools in effective policing.
“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.
He further noted:
“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.”
The police chief assured officers that their welfare and professional development would remain a priority. He also encouraged them to mentor younger officers and thanked their families for standing by them 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.
Disu also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigeria Police Force and commended the Police Service Commission for conducting a transparent promotion process.
He urged the officers to justify the confidence placed in them through exemplary leadership.
“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,” he concluded.
