No Sacred Cows: IGP Disu Warns Police Officers Over Misconduct

…Vows Rank, Seniority, Position No Shield for Erring Officers

By Jeremy Fregene
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, declaring that misconduct and abuse of authority will no longer be tolerated under his leadership.

Speaking on Wednesday during his inaugural conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Disu emphasised that there would be “no sacred cows” in the force.

He stressed that respect for human rights remains fundamental to professional policing and is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the institution.

According to the IGP, the police under his watch will not condone any conduct that undermines human rights, weakens public trust, or erodes the credibility of the force.

“To restore and sustain public confidence, our internal accountability mechanisms will be strengthened, revitalised and insulated from undue influence,” Disu said.

He added that key internal oversight bodies, including the Force Provost, the Complaint Response Unit, and the X-Squad, will be empowered to operate independently and decisively in investigating cases of misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, and other forms of unprofessional conduct.

Disu made it clear that no officer will be shielded from disciplinary action.

“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing, while officers must understand that loyalty to the force does not include protecting misconduct or tolerating indiscipline,” he stated.

“Under this leadership, there will be no sacred cows. Rank, seniority or position will offer no protection. Officers found culpable will face swift disciplinary measures, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary.”

The IGP also reminded officers that the legitimacy of the police force depends largely on public trust.

He noted that although the police derive their authority from the law, their effectiveness ultimately rests on the confidence of the people.

“The Nigerian Police Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation, and uphold the rule of law. These are not abstract ideals but daily obligations,” Disu told the officers.

He further stressed that professionalism, accountability, and transparency must become the operational standard of the force.

In an era of instant communication and heightened public scrutiny, Disu warned that every action by police officers reflects directly on the image of the entire force.

“As leaders, we must remember that authority is strongest when exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgement,” he said.

“While the uniform confers lawful powers, it is our conduct and decisions that confer legitimacy. Respect for human rights is therefore not optional — it is essential to professional policing and sustaining public trust.”