Odita Sunday 
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern charge to newly promoted senior officers, declaring that their elevation marks not a reward but a call to greater accountability, discipline and leadership at a critical time for Nigeria’s security.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja on Monday, the police boss said the promotion of officers to the ranks of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police was a strategic move to strengthen leadership and professionalism within the Force.
Disu stressed that the advancement was strictly merit-based, reflecting years of service, competence and integrity, but warned that it comes with heightened expectations and scrutiny.
“This promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility,” he said, cautioning that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption or dereliction of duty under the watch of the newly elevated officers.
He charged the officers to enforce firm supervision across their commands, noting that weak oversight breeds misconduct, while strong leadership ensures discipline and operational efficiency.
The IGP further reiterated the Force’s commitment to people-oriented policing, urging the officers to prioritise professionalism, respect for human rights and responsiveness to public needs in their jurisdictions.
He added that visible, approachable and accountable policing remains key to rebuilding public trust and enhancing intelligence gathering.
As part of ongoing reforms, Disu directed the senior officers to embrace innovation, improve operational efficiency and eliminate outdated practices inconsistent with modern policing standards.
He also announced that newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General and Assistant Inspectors-General would participate in a mandatory leadership retreat organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, aimed at strengthening transformational leadership and aligning reform efforts across the Force.
The police chief underscored the importance of mentorship, urging the officers to groom younger personnel and uphold professional standards to secure the future of the institution.
Highlighting upcoming engagements, Disu disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force would host the second edition of the National Police Day on April 7, 2026, with a week-long lineup of activities including community outreach and medical programmes nationwide.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support towards strengthening the country’s security architecture, and commended the Police Service Commission for ensuring transparency and credibility in the promotion process.
The ceremony, he noted, reinforces the Force’s commitment to merit-driven career progression and institutional reform.
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