The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called on newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Disu stressed that their elevation in rank should not be seen merely as recognition for past achievements but as the beginning of greater responsibilities and expectations.
Speaking during the decoration ceremony for the newly promoted senior officers, the IGP congratulated them on reaching another significant milestone in their careers.
He described the promotions as a well-earned recognition of their dedication, resilience, and years of outstanding service to the Nigeria Police Force.
He urged the officers to remain committed to excellence, leadership, and ethical conduct as they take on their new roles in strengthening policing and public trust across the country.
He noted that the officers had gained the trust of the Force through their professionalism and steadfast dedication to their duties.
The IGP recognized the significant sacrifices made by police personnel throughout their service, which include extended separations from their families, challenging working conditions, and the pressure of fulfilling public expectations.
“I understand the toll of serving under such circumstances because many of you have personally borne those burdens. Missed birthdays, months spent away from home, nights in the field while your families yearned for your presence. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed,” he remarked.
The IGP reminded the newly promoted officers that their elevated ranks positioned them as role models for junior officers who would seek their leadership and guidance.
“This rank is not merely a reward for past achievements. It represents the Force’s confidence in your future contributions. Your character will serve as the example, and your discipline will set the standard,” he asserted.
He encouraged them to lead with unwavering integrity, cautioning against corruption, abuse of power, and other forms of misconduct.
“I expect you to lead with unwavering integrity, exhibiting zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, abuse of power, or corruption. Additionally, I expect you to lead with compassion. The officers under your command are observing to determine if you genuinely care for them as individuals, rather than merely as personnel,” he stated.
The police chief further underscored the importance of developing a modern, intelligence-driven, and technology-oriented police force while fostering robust relationships with the community.
“We must persist in our efforts to create a modern, intelligent, and technology-oriented police force, but we must never forget the underlying purpose—safer streets, safeguarded families, and communities that have faith in us,” he stated.
He emphasized that public trust is essential for effective policing.
“Public trust is not merely a public relations initiative. It represents the distinction between obtaining information that can save lives and the silence that ensues when trust is eroded,” he remarked.
The IGP reassured officers of the Police leadership’s ongoing commitment to their welfare, skill enhancement, and professional growth, while encouraging the newly promoted officers to mentor junior personnel and uphold the values of the Force.
In addressing the families of the officers, he recognized their steadfast support and sacrifices, indicating that the promotions also serve as acknowledgment of their resilience.
“To the families present here today, this rank is as much yours as it is the officers’. Every assignment you faced alone, every concern you bore in silence, and every sacrifice you made without acknowledgment contributed to this accomplishment,” he expressed.
The IGP also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigeria Police Force and commended the Police Service Commission for ensuring that the promotion process remained transparent, fair and credible.
He concluded by urging the newly decorated AIGs and CPs to wear their new ranks with humility and pride, reminding them that younger officers now look to them as role models.
“Lead in a way that inspires hope. Together, we will continue to build a Nigeria Police Force that is professional, disciplined, accountable and unwavering in its service to the people of Nigeria,” he said
