Police misconduct will attract dismissal, prosecution — IGP Disu
Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has said the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership will not tolerate any conduct that undermines human rights, weakens public confidence in the agency or erodes institutional credibility.
Speaking during his inaugural conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters in Abuja, Disu said there would be “no sacred cows” in enforcing discipline within the force.
He said respect for human rights was fundamental to professional policing and essential for sustaining public trust.
“By upholding this standard, we reinforce the rule of law and strengthen the moral authority upon which effective policing is built,” he said.
Disu stated that internal accountability mechanisms within the force would be strengthened and insulated from undue influence.
According to him, the Force Provost, the Complaint Response Unit and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively and independently in investigating misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption and other forms of unprofessional conduct.
“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing,” he said.
“Officers must understand that loyalty to the force does not extend to shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline.
“Under this leadership, there will be no sacred cows. Rank, seniority or position will offer no protection. Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable.”
The police chief emphasised that the authority of the force does not rest solely on legal statutes but also on the trust of the public.
He warned that once public confidence is weakened, the effectiveness of policing is diminished.
“The Nigerian Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation and uphold the rule of law. These are not abstract ideas; they are daily obligations,” he told the officers.
“Under my leadership, professionalism, accountability and transparency shall not be a slogan. It shall be the standard.”
Disu also reminded senior officers that policing now operates under intense public scrutiny due to rapid communication and the influence of digital media.
“As leaders, we must continually remind ourselves of an enduring truth: authority is strongest when it is exercised with restraint, fairness and sound judgement,” he said.
“While the uniform confers lawful powers, it is our conduct, our words, our actions and decisions that ultimately confer legitimacy.
“Respect for human rights is therefore not optional. It is fundamental to professional policing and central to sustaining public trust.”