Promotion call to service, not reward –IGP tells newly promoted

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, yesterday, told newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force not to see their promotions as a reward but a call to higher responsibility.

The IGP also told the senior officers comprising Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs), that there is zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and dereliction of duties across all commands and formations nationwide.

Disu, gave the charge when he decorated the officers with their new ranks in Abuja.

He said:”You must ensure that policing in your jurisdictions is guided by professionalism, respect for human rights, and responsiveness to public needs. Officers must remain visible, approachable, and accountable.”

The IGP while noting that promotion comes with greater responsibility and heightened expectations, charged the officers to uphold professionalism, accountability and the highest ethical standards while performing their duties.

The IGP, who warned that they would be held responsible for operational outcomes and conduct of personnel under their commands, noted that the critical role of effective supervision and weak oversight often lead to misconduct, while firm and consistent leadership enforce discipline and standards.

He charged them to maintain full awareness of activities within their commands and take decisive action where necessary.

While congratulating the officers, the IGP, said their promotion was earned through years of discipline and service, but comes with heightened expectations.

“This promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility,” adding that the officers must now act as strategic leaders whose conduct reflects integrity, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

He further warned that he would hold them accountable not only for operational outcomes, but also for the conduct of officers under their supervision.

The IGP while stressing the importance of public trust, said that intelligence gathering, crime prevention and law enforcement are significantly strengthened when the police enjoy the confidence of the communities they serve.

He charged them to embrace innovation, improve operational efficiency and discard outdated practices that do not align with modern policing standards.

The IGP, announced that all newly promoted DIGs and AIGs will participate in a strategic leadership retreat scheduled to commence on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as part of his reform agenda for the force.

The retreat, organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, promoting professionalism and advancing modern policing practices.

He said the programme would provide an opportunity for strategic reflection and alignment, equipping senior officers with the tools required to drive sustainable reforms across the Force.

The IGP, while calling on

the senior officers to prioritise mentorship by building capacity, identifying talent, and guiding younger officers to uphold professional standards, assured that promotions in the Force under his leadership would continue to be based on merit, performance, and integrity.