The newly appointed acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has assumed duty with a promise to focus on professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
Disu, who assumed office shortly after his decoration by President Bola Tinubu, was appointed following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down on Tuesday, citing family reasons. Egbetokun was appointed on June 19, 2023.
Disu took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard and other officers at the Force Headquarters after returning from the Presidential Villa at about 4:15 p.m., from where he proceeded to the official handover ceremony with Egbetokun.
The former IGP, dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and tie, attended the ceremony alongside Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.
In his address, Disu, who thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, assured that the Nigeria Police Force possesses the capacity to address prevailing security challenges.
The IGP, while noting that the Force is endowed with brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations, however, acknowledged existing challenges within the Force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and instances of misconduct.
He said: “These are truths we must confront with resolve in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution.”
He outlined three priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
On professionalism, he said the Force would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practices, adding that officers would be better trained and equipped.
On accountability, the IGP declared that impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership, stressing that disciplinary measures would apply across all ranks without exception.
He said: “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.”
He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms and promote transparency in line with the rule of law.
On community partnership, Disu said effective policing requires collaboration with the public, noting that community policing would become central to the operations of the Force.
The IGP, who urged police officers to uphold integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties while assuring them of improved welfare and dignified working conditions, called on Nigerians to partner with the police by reporting crimes, engaging with officers and holding the institution accountable when necessary
