The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a stern nationwide warning to Commissioners of Police, declaring that illegal detention of suspects, corruption, abuse of office and other unethical conduct will attract zero tolerance as he pushes to restore professionalism, accountability and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Addressing Police Strategic Managers during a meeting at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, the IGP charged police commanders to enforce discipline within their ranks, uphold citizens’ rights and ensure strict compliance with due process, stressing that effective policing begins with responsible leadership.
“Effective policing starts with effective leadership. As commissioners of police and strategic commanders, you are custodians of public confidence in your commands,” Disu said.
He added, “Leadership is not measured by the authority you hold, but by the standards you set, the confidence you inspire and the results you deliver.”
The IGP urged commissioners to keep their commands operationally prepared while ensuring officers under their supervision maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
He warned that corruption, extortion, abuse of authority, unlawful detention and other unethical practices continue to undermine the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to deliver effective service and erode public trust.
Disu also directed police commissioners to strengthen community policing by deepening engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, community associations and other stakeholders, describing community partnership as critical to preventing crime.
“Community policing is not a side programme; it is the foundation on which effective policing rests. Our engagement with the communities we serve must be genuine because their partnership is central to crime prevention,” he said.
According to the IGP, modern policing requires leaders who combine operational competence with effective communication, emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
The meeting also featured the decoration of 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 17 newly promoted Commissioners of Police.
Congratulating the newly promoted senior officers, Disu urged them to lead with integrity, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility while maintaining zero tolerance for misconduct and corruption.
