The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines human rights, damages public trust, or weakens the institution’s credibility.
Speaking at his inaugural conference with senior officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters in Abuja, Disu made it clear that there would be “no sacred cows” in the Force.
He stressed that respect for human rights is not optional but a core pillar of professional policing and essential for maintaining public confidence. According to him, upholding these standards strengthens the rule of law and reinforces the moral authority needed for effective law enforcement.
To rebuild and sustain trust, Disu said internal accountability structures would be strengthened and shielded from undue interference. He noted that units such as the Force Provost, the Complaint Response Unit, and the X-Squad would be empowered to carry out thorough and independent investigations into cases of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and other unprofessional acts.
“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law,” he said, adding that citizens must feel safe reporting wrongdoing, while officers must understand that loyalty to the Force does not mean covering up misconduct or tolerating indiscipline.
He warned that rank, seniority, or position would not protect any officer found guilty of wrongdoing. Those culpable, he said, would face prompt disciplinary measures, including dismissal and possible prosecution.
Disu also reminded officers that the authority of the police goes beyond legal backing, resting heavily on public trust. Once that trust is eroded, he noted, the effectiveness of the Force is significantly weakened.
Reaffirming his commitment, he said professionalism, accountability, and transparency would be more than mere slogans under his leadership—they would define the standard of conduct.
In a time of intense public scrutiny and instant communication, Disu cautioned that every action taken by an officer reflects on the entire institution. He urged leaders within the Force to exercise their authority with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment.
“While the uniform confers lawful powers, it is our conduct and decisions that ultimately confer legitimacy,” he said, reiterating that respect for human rights remains central to sustaining public trust.
