…says ‘no sacred cows anymore’
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, says it will no longer be business as usual in the Nigeria Police Force, emphasising that no officer is above the law.
According to him, under his leadership, there will be no sacred cows.
The IGP warned that rank, seniority or position will no longer offer protection to erring police officers.
Disu stated this during the inaugural conference with strategic police managers held at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
He reminded policemen that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation and uphold the rule of law, adding that this must be seen as daily obligations.
Disu reminded them that the authority of a policeman or woman derives not
merely from statute, but from public trust, adding that once that trust is weakened, their effectiveness is diminished.
The IGP said that under his leadership as the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police, professionalism, accountability and transparency shall not be slogans, but standards.
Disu said, “We must be clear-eyed about our realities. In an era of heightened public scrutiny and instant communication, every action of the Police reflects instantly on the entire Force and indeed, on Nigeria itself.
“Misconduct, abuse of power,
corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest or detention, no matter how isolated, erodes confidence and dishonours the uniform. Let me be unambiguous: such conduct will not be tolerated.
“Senior officers must lead by example, enforce discipline, and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times. As leaders, we must continually remind ourselves of an enduring truth: authority is strongest when it is exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment.
He added, “While the uniform confers lawful power, it is our conduct, our words, actions,
and decisions that ultimately confers legitimacy. Respect for human rights is, therefore not optional; it is fundamental to
professional policing and central t o sustaining public trust.
“The Nigeria Police Force is, first and foremost, the people’s police, and our continued relevance depends on the confidence the public places in us. Every Nigerian, irrespective of status, belief, or background, must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
“Any conduct that undermines these
principles weakens public confidence, erodes institutional legitimacy, and will not be condoned under this leadership.
The IGP further stated, “To restore and sustain public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, our internal accountability mechanisms will be strengthened, revitalised, and insulated from undue influence.
“The Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit,and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively, independently, and without fear or favour in the investigation misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, or unprofessional conduct. The message must be clear: no officer is above the law.
“Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing, while officers must understand that loyalty to the Force does nof extend t o shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline.
“Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution
where applicable. This administration will act firmly, fairly, and transparently to deter misconduct, reinforce discipline, and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
“At the same time, discipline must go hand in hand with capacity building. We will undertake a comprehensive review of our recruitment processes to ensure that only individuals of sound character, competence, and commitment are admitted into the Nigeria Police Force.”
