Promotion Is Responsibility, Not Reward IGP Disu Tells Newly Elevated Police Chiefs
In a period when public trust in law enforcement remains a defining challenge, Nigeria’s police leadership is placing renewed emphasis on accountability, discipline and people-centred policing.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, delivered this message on Monday during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Addressing officers elevated to the ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police, the IGP described their promotion as a “strategic investment in leadership,” stressing that it comes with heightened expectations and increased scrutiny.
“This promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility,” Disu declared, warning that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, or dereliction of duty under their command.
He tasked the officers to demonstrate firm and consistent supervision, noting that strong leadership is essential to enforcing standards and preventing misconduct within the Force.
According to him, they must take full responsibility not only for operational outcomes but also for the conduct of personnel under their authority.
Reinforcing his administration’s vision, the police boss emphasised a shift towards people-oriented policing, urging the newly decorated officers to ensure professionalism, respect for human rights, and improved public engagement in their jurisdictions.
“The era of policing that alienates the people is over. We must build trust deliberately and consistently,” he said.
Disu also highlighted ongoing reform efforts, calling on the officers to embrace innovation, improve operational efficiency, and discard outdated practices inconsistent with modern policing standards.
As part of these reforms, he announced a mandatory strategic leadership retreat for newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, scheduled to begin on 24th March 2026.
The retreat, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will focus on transformational leadership and modern policing strategies.
The IGP further disclosed plans for the second edition of National Police Day on 7th April 2026, to be preceded by a week-long series of community-focused activities nationwide, including medical outreaches and public engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening police-community relations.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, while also commending the Police Service Commission for ensuring transparency and merit in the promotion process.
The ceremony, beyond its ceremonial significance, signals a renewed push by the Nigeria Police Force to align leadership with professionalism, reform, and public trust.
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