Yemi Obafemi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that no officer of the Nigeria Police Force is above the law, warning that misconduct and indiscipline will no longer be tolerated under his leadership.
Speaking during his inaugural conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Disu stressed that citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing by officers without fear of intimidation.
“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoings. Officers must understand that loyalty to the Force does not extend to shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline,” he said.
The police chief emphasized that there would be “no sacred cows,” noting that rank, seniority, or position would not shield any officer found culpable.
“Under this leadership, there will be no sacred cows. Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary actions, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable,” Disu stated.
He further underscored that respect for human rights is fundamental to professional policing and critical to sustaining public trust.
“By upholding this standard, we reinforce the rule of law and strengthen the moral authority upon which effective policing is built.
“To restore and sustain public confidence, our internal accountability mechanisms will be strengthened, revitalized, and isolated from undue influences. The Force Provost, the Complaint Response Unit, and the X-Squad will be empowered to operate decisively, independently, and without fear or favour in the investigations of misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, or unprofessional conduct.
“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoings. Officers must understand that loyalty to the force does not extend to shielding misconduct or tolerating indiscipline.
“Under this leadership, there will be no sacred cows. Ranks, seniority, or position will offer no protection. Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary actions, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable,” he added.
“Leadership, it has been said, is not about the position one occupies, but the responsibility one accepts. Today, I stand before you fully conscious of the weight of this responsibility and the high expectation of our officers, our nation, and the Nigerian people.
Disu reminded officers that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law, describing these duties as daily obligations rather than abstract ideals.
“The Nigerian Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law. These are not abstract ideas; they are daily obligations.
“Under my leadership, professionalism, accountability, and transparency shall not be a slogan. It shall be the standard,” the statement added.
