The 23rd indigenous Inspector General of Police, Acting IGP’ Olatunji Disu on Wednesday assumed office after the handing and taking over ceremony between him and his predecessor, retired IGP’ Olukayode Egbetokun with declaration that his tenure will be built on three pillars, professionalism and modernization, Accountability and Integrity, Community Partnership and Public Trust.
Disu made the pledge just as he said, “I am mindful of the fact that we also carry wounds: a trust deficit with communities we are sworn to protect; outdated systems, resource gaps, and in some quarters, a culture of misconduct that has stained the badge that many of us wear with honour.
‘These are not comfortable truths. But they are truths we must face with a resolve to tackle in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a very trusted friend that is people-oriented”.
He said, “My tenure will therefore be built on three clear commitments – Professionalism and Modernisation. We will move this Service decisively into the modern era. Intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools, and evidence-based practice will define how we work. Not intimidation, not shortcuts, not the abuse of authority. And we will invest in the people who do this work. A well-trained officer, properly equipped and genuinely valued, is the most powerful crime-fighting instrument this Service possesses.
“Accountability and Integrity – 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.
“Community Partnership and Public Trust -;No police service in the world has ever achieved lasting public safety by operating against its communities rather than within them. We will go to the people. To the markets, the town halls, the schools, the informal settlements. Not to lecture, but to listen. Community policing is not a programme. It is a philosophy, and it will become the heartbeat of how this Service operates.
‘To My Officers ,- I will demand the best from you, because the people we serve deserve nothing less. Integrity. Compassion. Courage. These are not optional qualities. They are the job. But I make you this promise in return: I will fight for your welfare, your dignity, and the conditions you need to serve effectively. You will not be asked to perform miracles with nothing. Leadership in this Service, from this day forward, must be visible, accountable, and worthy of being followed.
“To the Citizens of This Nation – I ask for one thing above all else. Your partnership. Report crime. Engage with your local officers. Hold us accountable when we fall short, and encourage us when we get it right. We are not your adversaries. We are your neighbours in uniform, and your safety is the only measure by which our success should be judged.
“The road ahead is not smooth, neither is the reform. There will be resistance, there will be hard calls, and there will be moments when the easier path presents itself. I intend to take the harder one every time. My door will be open. My ears will be attentive. But my commitment to transforming this Service into one that every citizen can trust, and every officer can be proud to serve in, will not waver.
This is not the end of a ceremony. This is the beginning of work!
While thanking President Bola Tinubu for for the “great confidence reposed in me by appointing me as the 23d indigenous Inspector General of Police”, the Acting IGP’ promised, ‘This is a confidence I will neither squander nor take lightly. I am committed to nurturing and upholding it until it fully aligns with the expectations of His Excellency and the aspirations of Nigerians- ensuring the protection of lives and property of every law-abiding citizen and all residents across the country.
‘I am indeed humbled and greatly appreciative of the torrents of congratulatory messages I have received from within and outside Nigeria since the announcement of my appointment as the acting Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
‘However, I am of the strong opinion that it is not yet time for me to be congratulated. It is not yet time because a heavy burden has been placed on my shoulders and those of my colleagues. It is not yet time because I know the expectations are very high. It is not yet time because I know we should not only meet the expectations, but strive to surpass them.
“I acknowledge with sincere gratitude the efforts of all former Inspector-Generals of Police who preceded me. I wish to thank them for the passion, professionalism and dedication. I thank them for the foundation they laid and the structures they worked very hard to build. I am not unmindful of the great sacrifices that every one of them made in the course of their respective tenures. My colleagues and I are very grateful to you.
“I am called to build on that foundation.
I want to let all the officers and men of the indefatigable Nigeria Police, from the fresh recruit still learning the weight of the uniform, to the veterans who have given decades of quiet service, know that Tunji Disu (as most of you call me is first and foremost a police officer before being the Inspector-General of Police. This, I greatly cherish and wish to continue to be. I see you, I honour you, and I am with you
“I know what it means to stand a post in the rain. I am aware of the risks involved in responding to any distress call. I know what it feels like to serve a public that sometimes applauds you and sometimes distrusts you. Those experiences are not behind me; they will live in every decision I make in this office. By the grace of Almighty God, I have been placed in this office to lead you faithfully and honestly, and to serve our great country, Nigeria.
“It is pleasantly gratifying to note that our Service has immense capacities that are readily available for deployment to combat the contemporary threats to national security.
We can confidently boast of brave officers, professionalism, institutional knowledge, passion and a high level of resilience that have enabled Nigeria to conquer many difficult situations.