The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, issued a strong warning to the officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force regarding professional misconduct, abuse of authority, and actions that could damage the Force’s reputation, stating that “the era of impunity is over.”, Peak Newspaper reports.
Disu delivered this warning during an official visit to the Edo State Police Command in Benin, where he spoke to the staff about the importance of discipline, accountability, and professionalism in policing.
He condemned recent incidents of police misconduct nationwide, including the shooting of a suspect by an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Delta State and the arrest of officers accused of extorting money from residents in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In response to the Delta incident, the police chief criticized the officer for allegedly shooting a suspect in public after the individual had already been captured and handed over to the police by civilians.
“Is that what we are taught in the academy? Is that what they taught us in college?” Disu questioned.
“How did you feel after that policeman disgraced all of us? You felt bad about it. You felt it was difficult for you to put on your uniform after that,” he continued.
The IGP revealed that the officer involved in the incident has been recommended for dismissal, and the Police Service Commission has approved this recommendation.
He also mentioned that the case has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal action.
Disu further stated that the officers recently arrested in Port Harcourt for allegedly using police vehicles to extort residents have also been recommended for dismissal from the Force.
“They began moving around the city, arresting people indiscriminately and ultimately withdrawing money from their ATMs. They have all been recommended for dismissal,” he said.
The police chief emphasized that the Force is entering a new phase of reform aimed at restoring professionalism and public trust.
“It is time for a new Nigerian Police Force. I know I cannot do it alone. That is why I’ve come to talk to you so that we can all be aligned,” he stated.
Disu asserted that the officers of the Nigeria Police Force have the potential to compete effectively with their international counterparts if they adopt discipline and professionalism.
“Are you satisfied with how the Nigerian Police have been rated? I know you and I can achieve better. We are capable of being the best police force in Africa. We are qualified to be the best in the world if we choose to do so,” he remarked.
Despite his criticism of misconduct within the Force, the IGP praised the officers for their dedication and role in ensuring national security.
“It is not all negative. Officers, you have been exceptional. You have been the ones who have kept the country together as it is today,” he added.
Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, informed the IGP that the command has intensified intelligence-led policing, bush-combing operations, high-visibility patrols, and raids on criminal hideouts throughout the state.
Agbonika noted that the command has achieved successes against kidnapping rings, armed robbery suspects, and cult groups through the efforts of the newly established Violent Crime Response Units.
“The command has remained steadfast in addressing security challenges through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and strategic deployment of tactical resources to combat violent crimes across the state,” he stated.
However, he requested additional operational support from the IGP, including arms, ammunition, armored personnel carriers, and more personnel to address emerging security threats in the state.
“We humbly request your continued intervention and support in these critical areas to further enhance the operational capacity of the state command,” Agbonika concluded.
