Police reform: DIGs, AIGs begin strategic leadership retreat today
Following the ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered the newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General
- IG counsels officers on professionalism, human rights
- Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja
Following the ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered the newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to proceed on a strategic leadership retreat today.
Disu announced this yesterday in Abuja while decorating newly promoted senior officers to the ranks of AIGs and Commissioners of Police (CPs) at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP urged the newly promoted officers to see their elevation not as a reward but as a call to greater responsibility.
He warned that the police under his watch would have zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, and dereliction of duty across the commands.
Disu said the retreat, organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to deepen ongoing reforms with a focus on transformational leadership, professionalism, and modern policing standards.
The IGP said participation in the retreat is mandatory, adding that all concerned officers should fully commit to the exercise, which he said would provide a platform for critical reflection, strategic alignment, and capacity building for sustainable reforms across the Force.
He said the promotion was a deliberate, merit-based step aimed at strengthening professionalism, competence, and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Disu described the ceremony as more than a symbolic event, stressing that it represented a strategic investment in leadership at a time Nigeria required a more effective, accountable, and responsive Police Force.
He congratulated the promoted officers, saying their elevation was earned through years of service, discipline, and proven capacity, but stressed that the new ranks come with heightened expectations.
“This promotion is not a reward; it is a responsibility,” he said.
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Disu also said the officers must now function as strategic leaders whose actions, decisions, and conduct must reflect discipline, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
The IGP promised to personally hold them accountable, not only for operational outcomes but also for the conduct of officers under their supervision.
He insisted that effective leadership must be firm, consistent, and proactive.
The IGP also reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership remained firmly committed to people-oriented policing.
He described this as a core operational principle rather than an optional approach.
According to him, senior officers must ensure that policing in their jurisdictions is guided by professionalism, respect for human rights, and responsiveness to public needs.
Disu said officers must remain visible, approachable, and accountable, stressing that the era of policing that alienated the public was over.
The IGP stressed that building trust is essential for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and effective law enforcement.
As part of the Force’s reform agenda, he directed the newly promoted officers to embrace innovation, strengthen operational efficiency, and eliminate outdated practices that do not align with modern policing standards.
Disu also urged the newly promoted officers to prioritise mentorship, saying they must deliberately build capacity within their ranks, identify talent, and guide younger officers to uphold the highest standards of the profession.
He assured personnel that promotions in the Nigeria Police Force would continue to be based on merit, performance, and integrity, describing the exercise as part of broader institutional reforms in career progression.
Announcing upcoming institutional activities, Disu said the Nigeria Police Force will host the second edition of the National Police Day on April 7, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional visibility, deepen community engagement, and reinforce public trust.
He added that a week-long lineup of activities would begin on Monday, March 30, across all commands and formations, featuring medical outreach programmes, community engagement initiatives, and other interventions aimed at bringing policing closer to the people.
According to him, the celebrations will culminate in a grand parade, as well as a gala night and award ceremony on April 7, where outstanding officers will be recognised for excellence in service.
The IGP directed all commands to ensure active participation and execute the activities with the highest level of professionalism and visibility.
The police boss also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called his administration’s unwavering support for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
He said the President’s backing has been critical to ongoing police reform efforts.
Disu also hailed the Police Service Commission (PSC) for its professionalism and transparency in the promotion process, noting that its role remains vital in sustaining fairness and credibility within the system.
