Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday charged 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 17 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to wear their new ranks with humility and pride, reminding them that their elevation comes with greater responsibility and higher expectations.
Speaking at their decoration ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP said the promotions were a recognition of years of dedicated service, professionalism and resilience, as well as the confidence reposed in the officers by the Nigeria Police Force.
“Your elevation is a testament to your professionalism, resilience and dedication. It reaffirms our commitment to an institution that rewards merit, competence and performance,” he said.
Disu acknowledged the sacrifices made by the officers throughout their careers, noting that many had endured difficult postings, prolonged separation from their families and the enormous responsibility of policing in a challenging security environment.
He said the new ranks should be seen not only as rewards for past performance but as a call to greater leadership.
“This rank is not just a reward for the past. It is the Force’s vote of confidence in what you will do next. You are now the officers we look to when things are hardest,” he stated.
The police boss urged the senior officers to demonstrate exemplary leadership by upholding discipline, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He warned that the Force would not tolerate misconduct, abuse of office or corruption at any level.
“Your calm will become their calm. Your discipline will become their standard. I expect you to lead without compromising integrity. We have zero tolerance for misconduct, abuse of office or corruption,” he said.
The IGP also called on the newly promoted officers to place the welfare of personnel under their command at the centre of their leadership and to mentor younger officers.
“The officers under your command are watching not just what you demand from them, but what you protect them from, what you fight for on their behalf and whether you see them as people, not just personnel,” he added.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to building a modern, intelligence-led and technology-driven institution capable of earning the confidence of Nigerians through fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Force and commended the Police Service Commission for sustaining a transparent, fair and credible promotion process.
Congratulating the officers, the IGP urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the Force.
“Wear your ranks with humility, but also with pride. You earned it,” he charged.
He further encouraged them to inspire younger officers through exemplary leadership.
“Somewhere tonight, a young officer joining this Force is hoping to become what you already are. Lead in a way that is worthy of that hope. Together, we will continue to build a Nigeria Police Force that is professional, disciplined, accountable and unwavering in its duty to protect every Nigerian,” he said.
