The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, on Wednesday assumed office, pledging to prioritise respect for human rights by the police, phase out impunity and ensure police officers are well trained and motivated.
Speaking after taking over the command structure of the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters, Abuja, Disu said the Police is endowed with brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations.
Disu was appointed on Tuesday by President Tinubu after resignation of the former police boss, Kayode Egbetokun. He arrived Louis Edet House at about 4:37pm on Wednesday, barely one hour after he was decorated at the Presidential Villa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with his new rank of IGP.
Accompanied by senior officers from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command, Intelligence Response unit and Force Headquarters, Disu was ushered in with ceremonial salute from the quarter guards.
The acting IGP, while acknowledging existing challenges within the Force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and instances of misconduct, outlined three priorities for his tenure – professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
On professionalism, he said the Force would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practices, adding that officers would be better trained and equipped.
Addressing accountability, he declared that impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership, stressing that disciplinary measures would apply across all ranks without exception.
He said, “I will say this plainly, the days of impunity are over. The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes.
“This applies at every rank, without exception, including those closest to me. I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable.
“We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.”
He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms and promote transparency in line with the rule of law.
On community partnership, Disu said effective policing requires collaboration with the public, noting that community policing would become central to the operations of the Force.
He urged officers to uphold integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties, while assuring them of improved welfare and dignified working conditions.
The acting IG also called on Nigerians to partner with the police by reporting crimes, engaging with officers and holding the institution accountable when necessary.
