IGP Disu Challenges Newly Promoted Police Chiefs To Rebuild Public Trust Amid Security Pressures

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Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday challenged newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to regard their elevation as a call to greater responsibility rather than personal achievement, urging them to restore public confidence through integrity, professionalism and compassionate leadership.

Addressing thirteen newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and seventeen newly promoted Commissioners of Police during their decoration ceremony at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police chief said the new ranks come at a period of heightened security challenges and increasing public expectations.

The IGP stressed that the future credibility of the Nigeria Police Force would depend not only on operational success but also on the quality of leadership demonstrated by officers entrusted with higher command responsibilities.

According to him, promotion within the Force remains anchored on merit, competence and proven performance, describing the elevation of the 30 officers as recognition of years of commitment and dedication to national service.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this important ceremony marking the decoration of thirteen (13) newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and seventeen (17) newly promoted Commissioners of Police. This occasion represents yet another significant milestone in the career progression of distinguished officers who have, through years of dedicated service, earned the confidence of this institution.”

Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Disu said their advancement reflected the confidence reposed in them by the institution and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to rewarding excellence.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, I warmly congratulate every one of you. Your elevation is a testament to your professionalism, resilience, and dedication. It reaffirms our resolve to sustain a promotion system that rewards merit, competence, and performance.”

The Inspector-General acknowledged the enormous demands placed on police personnel across the country, noting that many officers continue to serve under difficult operational conditions that require significant personal sacrifices.

He observed that the realities of policing often mean prolonged separation from loved ones, extended deployments and the burden of meeting the security expectations of millions of Nigerians.

“I will not pretend this promotion comes at an easy time. You are stepping into higher command while our officers face real strain: a demanding security environment, long separations from family, and the daily weight of public expectation. I know what it costs to serve under those conditions, because many of you have paid that cost personally. Missed birthdays. Months away from home. Nights in the field while your families held things together without you. That sacrifice is not lost on this institution, and it will not be forgotten.”

Despite those sacrifices, the IGP said the promoted officers had distinguished themselves through perseverance and commitment, adding that their new responsibilities would place them at the forefront of decision-making during difficult moments.

“And yet, despite all of that, you rose. That is precisely why you stand here today. This rank is not just a reward for the past. It is this Force’s vote of confidence in what you will do next. You are now the officers other officers will look to when things are hardest. Your calm will become their calm. Your discipline will become their standard.”

Disu warned that effective leadership must be built on accountability and ethical conduct, directing the senior officers to maintain zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office and other forms of misconduct.

He also urged them to prioritise the welfare of officers under their command, arguing that disciplined policing is strengthened when personnel feel protected, valued and fairly treated.

“I expect you to lead with uncompromising integrity, with no tolerance for misconduct, abuse of office, or corruption. But I also expect you to lead with humanity. The officers under your command are watching not just what you demand of them, but what you protect them from, what you fight for on their behalf, and whether you see them as people, not just personnel. A Force that takes care of its own is a Force its own will die defending.”

The Inspector-General reiterated the Force’s commitment to institutional reforms aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, embracing technology and improving service delivery, while maintaining that these reforms must ultimately translate into improved public safety and stronger community confidence.

According to him, public trust remains one of the most critical assets in policing because cooperation from citizens often determines the success of crime prevention and investigation.

“We must continue building a modern, intelligence-led, technology-driven Force, but we must never lose sight of why. Safer streets. Protected families. Communities that trust us because we have earned that trust through fairness and respect. Public confidence is not a public relations exercise. It is the difference between a tip that saves a life and a silence that costs one.”

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional continuity, Disu encouraged the newly promoted officers to invest in mentoring younger personnel and preparing the next generation of police leaders.

He assured them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to prioritise personnel welfare, capacity development and professional training.

“This institution remains committed to your welfare, your training, and your development. I ask, in return, that you mentor those coming up behind you the way you wished someone had mentored you: honestly, patiently, and with belief in what they could become.”

The police chief also paid tribute to the families of the promoted officers, acknowledging the often overlooked sacrifices made by spouses, children and relatives who provide support throughout the demanding careers of police personnel.

“To the families gathered here today, this rank belongs to you as much as it does to the officer wearing it. Every posting you endured alone, every worry you carried in silence, every sacrifice you made without recognition, thank you. Your strength made this possible.”

Disu further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Nigeria Police Force, while commending the Police Service Commission for sustaining what he described as a transparent, fair and credible promotion process.

“I express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his steadfast support for the Nigeria Police Force. I also thank the Chairman and Members of the Police Service Commission for their continued partnership in ensuring a promotion process that is transparent, fair, and credible.”

He concluded by urging the newly decorated officers to wear their new ranks with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, reminding them that their conduct would shape the aspirations of younger officers joining the Force.

“To our newly decorated Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, wear this rank with humility, but also with pride. You earned it. Somewhere tonight, a young officer joining this Force is hoping to become what you already are. Lead in a way worthy of that hope.”

Reaffirming the Force’s long-term vision, the IGP said the leadership of the Nigeria Police remained committed to building a professional, disciplined and accountable institution capable of effectively protecting lives and property across the country.

“Together, we will continue to build a Nigeria Police Force that is professional, disciplined, accountable, and unwavering in its duty to protect every Nigerian.”

He thanked guests, senior officers, families, and other stakeholders for attending the ceremony and for their continued support for the Nigeria Police Force.