At inaugural conference in Abuja, Police chief pledges strengthened accountability, intelligence-led operations, community policing, and improved officer welfare to restore public trust.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has outlined an ambitious reform agenda for the Nigeria Police Force, declaring zero tolerance for misconduct and vowing to reposition the Force as a professional, accountable, and people-centered institution.
Speaking at the inaugural conference with strategic police managers held at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, the IGP described the gathering as the beginning of a defining chapter in the history of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said his leadership would be anchored on professionalism, accountability, and transparency, stressing that these would not merely be slogans but enforceable standards.
“The Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law. Our authority derives not merely from statute, but from public trust,” he said, adding that once public trust is weakened, the effectiveness of the Force is diminished.
The IGP warned that misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, extortion, and unlawful arrest or detention would not be tolerated under his administration. He charged senior officers to lead by example and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times.
Emphasising respect for human rights, the police chief stated that authority is strongest when exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment. He reaffirmed that every Nigerian, regardless of status or background, must be treated with dignity and respect.
To strengthen internal accountability, the IGP announced that oversight units within the Force would be revitalised and insulated from undue influence. He declared that no officer, irrespective of rank or position, would be above the law, noting that officers found culpable of misconduct would face swift disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable.
On capacity building, the IGP disclosed plans for a comprehensive review of recruitment processes to ensure that only individuals of sound character and competence are enlisted. He also pledged to modernise training curricula across police institutions to reflect emerging security realities and global best practices.
According to him, continuous professional development, specialised skills acquisition, and periodic retraining would be prioritised to ensure officers remain effective and technologically proficient in their duties.
Community policing, he said, would form a central pillar of the Force’s operational philosophy. Commissioners of Police across commands were directed to strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations, noting that security is a shared responsibility.
The IGP further reaffirmed the primacy of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency in internal security management. He announced plans to re-engineer operational strategies towards intelligence-led, evidence-based, and technology-driven policing models, with greater investment in digital and cyber forensics, data analytics, and scientific crime-scene management.
As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, the police chief stressed that the Force would remain firm, impartial, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements. He pledged that the Police would secure the electoral process before, during, and after the polls, protecting democratic institutions, electoral officials, voters, and critical infrastructure.
He warned that any officer found to have compromised neutrality or violated electoral laws would face swift and decisive disciplinary action, with no exceptions.
On officer welfare, the IGP assured personnel that issues relating to housing, remuneration, pensions, healthcare, and overall well-being would receive sustained attention. He noted that improved welfare would boost morale and enhance performance.
The police chief also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him, pledging to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to national security.
The conference brought together senior strategic leaders of the Nigeria Police Force to deliberate on reforms aimed at strengthening institutional discipline, operational effectiveness, and public confidence in the Force.
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