*Says Days Of Impunity Over
*Charges Officers To Uphold Integrity, Compassion, Courage
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, February 25, decorated Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, with his new rank.
The ceremony, held at the State House, Abuja, followed his swearing-in at the first floor office of the President during an expanded session attended by top government and security officials, including National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, commended the Egbetokun for his service to the country.
Disu’s appointment came 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. However, under the amended Police Act, which allows IGP to serve a four year tenure, regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years.
Until his appointment, Disu served was the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon in Lagos State.
Meanwhile, the new IGP assumed duty immediately after his decoration by the President earlier in the day.
Disu took his first salute as IGP from members of the Quarter Guard and Police officers at the Force Headquarters after returning from the Villa about 4:25p.m. Egbetokun and Disu then proceeded to the official handover ceremony.
Egbetokun, dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and tie, was accompanied by Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs).
Disu, in his remarks, thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, saying the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) possesses the capacity to address prevailing security challenges and is endowed with brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations.
He, however, acknowledged existing challenges within the Force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and instances of misconduct, adding: “These are truths we must confront with resolve in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution.”
The acting IGP listed three priorities for his tenure to include 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, assuring that officers would be better trained and equipped.
Regarding accountability, Disu said impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership and that disciplinary measures would apply across all ranks without exception.
“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, the acting IGP said effective policing requires collaboration with the public, assuring that community policing would become central to the operations of the Force.
He charged officers to uphold integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties, assuring them of improved welfare and dignified working conditions.
Disu urged Nigerians to partner with the Police by reporting crimes, engaging with officers and holding the institution accountable when necessary.
