We Will Dismiss, Prosecute Corrupt Police Officers – IGP Disu

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has declared that it will no longer be business as usual in the Nigeria Police Force, warning that no officer is above the law.

Disu said under his leadership, there would be no sacred cows, stressing that rank, seniority or position would not shield any officer found wanting.

Naija News reports that the IGP made the remarks on Wednesday at the inaugural conference with strategic police managers held at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre in Abuja.

He reminded officers that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation and uphold the rule of law, describing these as daily obligations rather than ceremonial responsibilities.

According to him, the authority of any police officer derives not merely from statute but from public trust.

“Under my leadership as the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police, professionalism, accountability, and transparency shall not be slogans, but standards,” Disu said.

He added that in an era of heightened public scrutiny and instant communication, every action of a police officer reflects not only on the Force but on Nigeria as a whole.

The acting IGP warned that abuse of power, corruption and other forms of misconduct would attract stiff sanctions.

“Misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest or detention, no matter how isolated, erodes confidence and dishonours the uniform. Let me be unambiguous: such conduct will not be tolerated,” he said.

He charged senior officers to lead by example and uphold the highest ethical standards at all times.

“As leaders, we must continually remind ourselves of an enduring truth: authority is strongest when it is exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment,” he stated.

Respect for Human Rights ‘Not Optional’

Disu emphasised that legitimacy in policing comes from conduct, not just the uniform.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of status or background, must be treated with dignity and fairness.

“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,” he said.

To restore public confidence, the IGP said internal accountability mechanisms would be strengthened and insulated from undue influence.

He disclosed that the Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit and the X-Squad would be empowered to operate decisively and independently in investigating misconduct.

“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law,” he declared.

“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.”

Disu also revealed plans to review the Force’s recruitment process to ensure that only individuals of sound character and competence are admitted.

“At the same time, discipline must go hand in hand with capacity building. We will undertake a comprehensive review of our recruitment processes to ensure that only individuals of sound character, competence, and commitment are admitted into the Nigeria Police Force,” he added.

The conference, according to police authorities, is part of ongoing efforts to reposition the Force and align its operations with global best practices in law enforcement.