The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, has declared that the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership will not tolerate any conduct that undermines respect for human rights, erodes public confidence, or weakens the institution’s legitimacy.

Disu made the declaration during his inaugural conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he warned that there would be “no sacred cows”.

He emphasised that respect for human rights is not optional but fundamental to professional policing and essential 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, revitalised, and insulated from undue influence. 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 investigation of misconduct, abuse of authority, corruption, or unprofessional conduct,” Disu said.

“The message must be clear: no officer is above the law. Citizens must feel safe and encouraged to report wrongdoing. 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. Rank, seniority, or position will offer no protection. Officers found culpable will face swift and appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where applicable,” he added.

The police chief further noted that the authority of the police is derived not merely from statutes but from public trust, warning that once that trust is eroded, the force’s effectiveness is significantly diminished.

“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 expectations of our officers, our nation, and the Nigerian people.

“The Nigeria 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,” he said.

He added that professionalism, accountability, and transparency would be the defining standards of his administration.

“Under my leadership, professionalism, accountability, and transparency shall not be a slogan. It shall be the standard.”

Disu reminded officers that in an era of heightened public scrutiny and instant communication, every action of a police officer reflects immediately on the entire force.

“As leaders, we must continually remind ourselves of an enduring truth: authority is strongest when it is exercised with restraint, fairness, and sound judgment.

“While the uniform confers lawful powers, it is our conduct, our words, our actions, and decisions that ultimately confer legitimacy. Respect for human rights is therefore not optional. It is fundamental to professional policing and central to sustaining public trust,” he added.