IGP to officers: I will apply dismissal approach where necessary
…holds high level security meeting with Frank Mba, other strategic police managers in Abuja …urges officers to abide by the rules before, during, and after the 2027 general elections The Inspector-General
…holds high level security meeting with Frank Mba, other strategic police managers in Abuja
...urges officers to abide by the rules before, during, and after the 2027 general elections
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday, cautioned officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to shun corrupt practices, indiscipline, lawlessness, and any act capable of tarnishing the police image.
Disu reiterated that he will not hesitate to dismiss any officer found wanting in this regard, according to the law.
He warned that no officer is above the law.
Speaking at the inaugural conference with strategic police managers held at the Peacekeeping Conference Hall at the force headquarters in Abuja, the IGP described the gathering as the beginning of a new administrative phase and a defining moment for the Force.
Disu said the police must remain committed to their core mandate of protecting lives and property while upholding the rule of law, noting that public trust is essential for effective policing.
He warned that misconduct, including abuse of power, corruption, extortion, and unlawful detention, would not be tolerated under his leadership.
According to him, senior officers must lead by example and uphold the highest ethical standards.
READ ALSO: NPA: Nigeria ports post 24.8% cargo growth, 205.8% transhipment surge in 2025
The IGP stressed that respect for human rights is fundamental to professional policing, adding that authority must be exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment to maintain legitimacy.
To strengthen accountability, Disu announced plans to empower internal oversight bodies, including the Force Provost, Complaints Response Unit, and X-Squad, to operate independently and decisively in addressing misconduct.
He also highlighted the importance of capacity building, revealing that recruitment processes would be reviewed to ensure only qualified and competent individuals are enlisted.
Training programmes, he said, would be modernized to reflect current security realities and global best practices.
Disu further stated that community policing would be prioritized, urging Commissioners of Police to deepen engagement with local communities, traditional institutions, and civil society groups.
He described collaboration with the public as critical to effective security management.
On operational strategy, the IGP said the Force would adopt intelligence-led and technology-driven policing methods, with increased investment in digital forensics, surveillance, and data analytics to tackle evolving security threats.
Addressing preparations for the 2027 general elections, Disu assured that the police would remain neutral and professional, ensuring the protection of voters, electoral officials, and critical infrastructure.
He warned that any officer found engaging in partisan activities or violating electoral laws would face strict disciplinary measures.
The IGP also pledged to prioritize the welfare of officers, including improvements in housing, remuneration, healthcare, and overall well-being, noting that better welfare would enhance morale and performance.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to serving with integrity, diligence, and dedication to national security.”
Disu said, “The Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law. Under my leadership, professionalism, accountability, and transparency shall not be slogans; they shall be standards.
“Misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest or detention, no matter how isolated, undermines confidence and dishonours the uniform. Let me be unambiguous: such conduct will not be tolerated. Senior officers must lead by example, enforce discipline, and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times.
“While the uniform confers lawful power, it is our conduct, our words, actions, and decisions that ultimately confer legitimacy. Respect for human rights is, therefore, not optional; it is fundamental to professional policing and central to sustaining public trust.
“The Nigeria Police Force is, first and foremost, the people's police, and our continued relevance depends on the confidence the public places in us. Every Nigerian, irrespective of status, belief, or background, must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Any conduct that undermines these principles weakens public confidence, erodes institutional legitimacy, and will not be condoned under this leadership.
“The Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit, and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively, independently, and without fear or favour in the investigation, misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, or unprofessional conduct. The message must be clear: no officer is above the law.
“Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing, while officers must understand that loyalty to the Force does not extend to shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline. Under this leadership, there will be no sacred cows. Rank, seniority, or position will offer no protection.
“Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable. This administration will act firmly, fairly, and transparently to deter misconduct, reinforce discipline, and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
“Beyond entry-level training, we shall place strong emphasis on continuous professional development, specialized skills acquisition, and periodic retraining to ensure that our officers remain effective, confident, and professional in the discharge of their duties.
“Policing cannot succeed in isolation from the communities we serve. I will insist on the full and practical implementation of community policing across all commands and formations. Commissioners of Police must prioritize sustained engagement with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups, and civil society.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency in the internal security management of our nation, and preserving as well as strengthening this primacy is a responsibility we must pursue with clarity of purpose, strategic focus, and institutional discipline.
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes both heightened and non-negotiable. The credibility of the electoral process, the stability of our democracy, and the confidence of the Nigerian people will depend largely on the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency in election security management. In the discharge of this duty, the Police must be firm in enforcing the law, impartial in its decisions, professional in its conduct, and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements.
“We will secure the electoral process before, during, and after the elections. I assure Mr. President and all Nigerians that I will discharge this responsibility with diligence, integrity, courage, and an unyielding commitment to national security.”
Senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, including Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) who served under the immediate past Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, were present at a strategic meeting.
The development has sparked interest within security circles amid discussions surrounding the recent elevation of Disu to the position of Inspector-General of Police.
Among the DIGs in attendance were Frank Mba, Yahaya Abubakar, Basil Idgwu, Bzigu Kwazhi, Idris Abubakar, Adewole William, and Adeola Hamzat.
