Promotion Comes With Accountability, Not Privilege – IGP Disu Warns Newly Elevated Police Chiefs

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged newly promoted senior officers to view their elevation as a call to greater responsibility rather than a reward for past service.

Disu gave the directive on Monday during the decoration ceremony of senior officers held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, where officers promoted to the ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police were formally decorated.

Addressing the officers, the police chief described their promotion as a “strategic investment in leadership,” stressing that it comes with higher expectations, stricter accountability, and increased public scrutiny.

“This promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility,” he said, warning that indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, and dereliction of duty would not be tolerated under their leadership.

He urged the officers to ensure firm supervision and take full responsibility not only for operational outcomes but also for the conduct of personnel under their command, noting that strong leadership is key to maintaining standards within the Force.

Reiterating his reform agenda, Disu emphasised the need for people-centred policing, calling on the officers to uphold professionalism, respect human rights, and strengthen engagement with the public.

“The era of policing that alienates the people is over. We must build trust deliberately and consistently,” he added.

The IGP also highlighted ongoing reform efforts within the Force, urging the officers to embrace innovation, improve efficiency, and abandon outdated practices that do not align with modern policing standards.

As part of the reform drive, he announced a mandatory strategic leadership retreat for newly promoted senior officers, scheduled to begin on March 24, 2026, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. The programme will focus on transformational leadership and contemporary policing strategies.

Disu further disclosed plans for the second edition of National Police Day slated for April 7, 2026, which will be preceded by a week-long series of community-based activities, including medical outreaches and public engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening police-community relations.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support for the Nigeria Police Force, while also commending the Police Service Commission for ensuring transparency and merit in the promotion process.

The ceremony underscores a renewed push by the police leadership to align command structure with professionalism, reform, and the restoration of public trust.