The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has decorated 29 senior police officers with their new ranks, charging them to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The decoration ceremony, held on Tuesday, involved two Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 17 Commissioners of Police (CPs).
Speaking at the event, Disu reminded the newly promoted officers that promotion should not be regarded merely as an achievement or reward but as an opportunity to assume greater responsibilities and demonstrate effective leadership.
He stressed that higher ranks come with increased expectations and accountability, noting that the officers would be closely watched by their subordinates, the communities they serve and the Nigerian public.
Addressing the promotees, the IGP said: “Higher rank brings higher accountability, and the force and the Nigerian people will hold you to it. I remember the day I received a new rank, the thought that stayed with me was not ‘I have arrived.’ It was ‘now everybody is watching.’ Today you stand where I once stood.”
Disu outlined three major responsibilities expected of the newly promoted officers, identifying integrity, personnel welfare and development, and public trust as the key pillars of effective leadership.
On integrity, he called for zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office and indiscipline, urging the officers to lead by example and uphold the standards they expect from their subordinates.
“Do not preach discipline while practising indiscipline. Your subordinates must see in you the best of the force,” he stated.
The police chief also emphasised the need for senior officers to mentor younger personnel and prioritise the welfare of those under their command.
He urged them to identify and develop promising junior officers while treating their subordinates with dignity, care and respect.
According to him, the quality of officers they train and leave behind would serve as an important measure of their leadership success.
“The true measure of your leadership will not be only what you achieve during your tenure, but the quality of officers you leave behind,” Disu said.
On public trust, the IGP charged the newly promoted officers to contribute meaningfully to transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a professional, accountable, intelligence-led and people-oriented institution.
He maintained that public confidence could only be earned through fairness, respect for human rights and prompt responses to the needs of citizens.
“Trust is not built in speeches; it is built at the counter, on the road, and in the community through fairness, respect for human rights, and a prompt response to the needs of the people. After all, they say the definition of policing is protection of human rights,” he added.
As part of efforts to translate the new responsibilities into measurable results, Disu directed each of the promoted officers to submit a strategic plan for their respective commands, departments, formations or offices within 90 days.
He explained that the plans must contain clear and measurable targets covering integrity, personnel welfare and public trust, tailored to the specific responsibilities of each officer.
The IGP further assured them that he would personally review the submissions and monitor their implementation to ensure compliance.
Disu also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of the newly promoted officers, recognising the challenges associated with police service, including long working hours, distant postings and missing important family occasions.
He noted that the contributions of their loved ones often go unnoticed despite playing significant roles in supporting their professional careers.
The police chief urged the officers to share the celebration with their families, emphasising that the achievement also belonged to those who had supported them throughout their years of service.
