No sacred cows in police, zero tolerance for 2027 election misconduct — IGP Disu

2026-03-04 - 14:57

By Kingsley Omonobi The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has declared that under his leadership, no officer of the Nigeria Police Force will be above the law, warning that rank, seniority or position will not shield anyone found guilty of misconduct, indiscipline or human rights violations. Speaking at his maiden strategic meeting with Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in Abuja, Disu said there would be “no sacred cows” in the Force. “This administration will act firmly, fairly and transparently to deter misconduct, reinforce discipline and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable,” he said. “The message must be clear: no officer is above the law.” Zero Tolerance for 2027 Election Partisanship On the 2027 general elections, the IGP warned that the Force would adopt a zero-tolerance stance on partisanship, abuse of authority and violation of electoral laws. “As we approach the 2027 General Elections, our responsibility to the nation becomes heightened and non-negotiable. The credibility of the electoral process and the stability of our democracy will depend largely on the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency in election security management,” he said. Disu stressed that officers must remain firm, impartial and strictly neutral in all electoral engagements, assuring that the Force would secure the process before, during and after the polls. “Any officer found to have compromised neutrality, violated electoral laws, or acted outside approved rules of engagement will face swift and decisive disciplinary action, including prosecution where applicable. There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” he warned. He added that crowd control operations would be carried out with restraint, proportionality and strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law. Stronger Accountability Mechanisms The IGP said internal accountability mechanisms would be strengthened and insulated from undue influence. He noted that units such as the Force Provost, Complaints Response Unit and X-Squad would be empowered to investigate misconduct and corruption independently and without fear or favour. “Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing, while officers must understand that loyalty to the Force does not extend to shielding misconduct,” he stated. Recruitment, Training to Be Reviewed Disu also announced plans for a comprehensive review of recruitment processes to ensure that only individuals of sound character and competence are admitted into the Force. “Our training curricula across all police institutions will be modernised to reflect emerging security realities and global best practices,” he said, adding that emphasis would be placed on continuous professional development and specialised skills acquisition. He pledged to re-engineer operational strategies toward intelligence-led, evidence-based and technology-driven policing, with investments in digital forensics, data analytics, surveillance technologies and improved inter-unit coordination. Focus on Community Policing, Welfare The IGP identified community policing as a central pillar of his administration, directing Commissioners of Police to strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations. “Security is a shared responsibility, and partnership is our greatest force multiplier,” he said. On welfare, Disu assured officers that housing, remuneration, pensions, healthcare and psychological support would receive sustained attention. “No Police Force can perform optimally if its officers are burdened by neglect. When officers are cared for, morale improves; when morale improves, performance follows,” he noted. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to discharge his duties with integrity and commitment to national security. “Change is not coming; it is here. And it will be change for the better,” he said.