Acting IGP Disu pledges professionalism, accountability in police leadership

He pledged to strengthen internal security and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Force’s constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.

He said, “However, I am of the strong opinion that it is not yet time for me to be congratulated. It is not yet time because a heavy burden has been placed on my shoulders and those of my colleagues. It is not yet time because I know the expectations are very high. It is not yet time because I know we should not only meet the expectations, but strive to surpass them.

READ ALSO: FG targets 10–12% annual growth to achieve $1trn economy

“Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I want to thank you for the great confidence reposed in me by appointing me as the 23d indigenous Inspector General of Police. This is a confidence I will neither squander nor take lightly. I am committed to nurturing and upholding it until it fully aligns with the expectations of His Excellency and the aspirations of Nigerians- ensuring the protection of lives and property of every law-abiding citizen and all residents across the country.

“I am indeed humbled and greatly appreciative of the torrents of congratulatory messages I have received from within and outside Nigeria since the announcement of my appointment as the acting Inspector-General of Police by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“My tenure will therefore be built on three clear commitments. Professionalism and Modernization. We will move this Service decisively into the modern era. Intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools, and evidence-based practice will define how we work. Not intimidation, not shortcuts, not the abuse of authority. And we will invest in the people who do this work. A well-trained officer, properly equipped and genuinely valued, is the most powerful crime-fighting instrument this Service possesses.

“Accountability and Integrity. I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over. The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes. This applies at every rank, without exception, including those closest to me. I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable. We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.

“Community Partnership and Public Trust. No police service in the world has ever achieved lasting public safety by operating against its communities rather than within them. We will go to the people. To the markets, the town halls, the schools, the informal settlements. Not to lecture, but to listen. Community policing is not a programme. It is a philosophy, and it will become the heartbeat of how this Service operates.

“I acknowledge with sincere gratitude the efforts of all former Inspector-Generals of Police who preceded me. I wish to thank them for the passion, professionalism and dedication. I thank them for the foundation they laid and the structures they worked very hard to build. I am not unmindful of the great sacrifices that every one of them made in the course of their respective tenures. My colleagues and I are very grateful to you. I am called to build on that foundation.

“I want to let all the officers and men of the indefatigable Nigeria Police, from the fresh recruit still learning the weight of the uniform, to the veterans who have given decades of quiet service, know that Tunji Disu (as most of you call me is first and foremost a police officer before being the Inspector-General of Police. This, I greatly cherish and wish to continue to be. I see you, I honour you, and I am with you”.

Disu said it is pleasantly gratifying to note that the police have immense capacities that are readily available for deployment to combat the contemporary threats to national security.

He said the force can confidently boast of brave officers, professionalism, institutional knowledge, passion and a high level of resilience that have enabled Nigeria to conquer many difficult situations.

“I am also mindful of the fact that we also carry wounds: a trust deficit with communities we are sworn to protect; outdated systems, resource gaps, and in some quarters, a culture of misconduct that has stained the badge that many of us wear with honour. These are not comfortable truths. But they are truths we must face with a resolve to tackle in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a very trusted friend that is people-oriented.”

He also promised to fight for the welfare of his staff and said, “I will demand the best from you, because the people we serve deserve nothing less. Integrity. Compassion. Courage. These are not optional qualities. They are the jobs. But I make you this promise in return: I will fight for your welfare, your dignity, and the conditions you need to serve effectively. You will not be asked to perform miracles with nothing. Leadership in this Service, from this day forward, must be visible, accountable, and worthy of being followed.

The immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun expressed joy that President Bola Tinubu appointed the right person as the new acting IGP.

Egbetokun commended Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as the 22nd IGP.

He urged officers and men of the force to give the new Acting IGP maximum support to enable him succeed.

Among those present at the handing over ceremony were the Deputy Inspector – General of police (DIGs), other top police officers.

Family members and parents of the new acting IGP, Disu were also at the event.