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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has charged newly promoted senior police officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity and accountability, warning that their new ranks come with greater responsibilities and higher expectations.
Disu also declared zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office and indiscipline, urging the officers to lead by example and demonstrate the highest standards of conduct in the discharge of their duties.
The IGP gave the charge in Abuja while decorating the officers with their new ranks, where he reminded them that promotion should not be regarded merely as an achievement or reward, but an opportunity to shoulder greater responsibilities and deliver better service.
He warned that their conduct would be closely monitored by their subordinates, the communities they serve and the Nigerian public.
“Higher rank brings higher accountability, and the Force and the Nigerian people will hold you to it. I remember the day I received a new rank. The thought that stayed with me was not, ‘I have arrived.’ It was, ‘Now everybody is watching.’ Today, you stand where I once stood,” he said.
As part of measures to ensure effective leadership and accountability, Disu directed each newly promoted officer to submit, within 90 days, a leadership plan for the command, department, formation or office under their supervision.
“Within 90 days, each of you will submit to me a leadership plan for your command, department, formation or office under your charge.
“It must set out clear and measurable targets on integrity, welfare and public trust, and be tied to your specific mandate. I will review every plan and follow it up,” he said.
The IGP outlined three major responsibilities for the officers, identifying integrity, personnel welfare and development, and public trust as the pillars of effective police leadership.
On integrity, he demanded zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office and indiscipline, insisting that senior officers must practise the standards they expect from their subordinates.
“Do not preach discipline while practising indiscipline. Your subordinates must see in you the best of the Force,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of mentoring younger officers and improving the welfare of personnel under their command.
Disu urged the senior officers to identify and nurture promising junior colleagues, while treating those serving under them with care, fairness and respect.
He said the true measure of their leadership would not be limited to their achievements in office but would also be determined by the quality of officers they groom and leave behind.
“The true measure of your leadership will not be only what you achieve during your tenure, but the quality of officers you leave behind,” he added.
On public trust, the IGP urged the newly promoted officers to contribute actively to transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a professional, accountable, intelligence-led and people-oriented institution.
He stressed that public confidence could only be earned through fairness, respect for human rights and prompt responses to the needs of citizens.
“Trust is not built in speeches; it is built at the counter, on the road and in the community through fairness, respect for human rights, and a prompt response to the needs of the people. After all, they say the definition of policing is protection of human rights,” he said.
Disu also acknowledged the sacrifices of the officers’ families, noting that police service often comes with long working hours, distant postings and missed family occasions.
He observed that the contributions of spouses and other family members often go unnoticed despite the important role they play in supporting police officers throughout their careers.
The IGP congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to share the joy of their elevation with their families, who had stood by them through the challenges of their professional journeys.
