The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has charged newly promoted and decorated Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to view their new responsibilities not merely as command roles but as a call to professional excellence and unwavering commitment to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.

Disu gave the charge on Monday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted officers, noting that their elevation marks the assumption of greater responsibilities in the leadership and strategic management of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the IGP, the ceremony signified more than the decoration of new ranks.

“This ceremony represents far more than the adornment of new insignia.

“Your elevation to this highly strategic rank is a testament to your professionalism, leadership capacity and consistent record of service to the nation.

“Promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police represents one of the highest levels of professional trust within our institution. It is both an honour and a call to duty that demands wisdom, integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and service,” he said.

Disu reminded the newly decorated officers that, as members of the top strategic leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, they are entrusted with responsibilities that go beyond operational command.

According to him, they are expected to provide institutional direction, strengthen internal discipline, drive reforms and ensure that policing strategies remain responsive to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.

“The security environment in which we operate continues to evolve in complexity. From organised crime and cyber-enabled threats to violent criminal networks and emerging security challenges, the expectations placed on the Nigeria Police Force have never been greater.

“It is therefore imperative that our leadership remains forward-looking, strategic and firmly committed to professionalism and operational excellence,” he said.

The IGP urged the officers to deploy their experience in strengthening intelligence-led policing, deepening inter-agency cooperation, enhancing operational coordination across commands and reinforcing accountability within the ranks.

“Your leadership must inspire confidence within the Force and trust among the citizens we are sworn to protect. Let your tenure at this level be defined by discipline, fairness, transparency and service.

“The rank you wear today places you as custodians of the institutional values of the Nigeria Police Force. Your actions, decisions and leadership style will continue to shape the culture, direction and public perception of our organisation,” he added.

Disu noted that as the police continue efforts to reposition the force into a more professional, technologically driven and citizen-focused institution, the roles of the DIGs would be critical in driving the transformation and strengthening the force’s capacity to secure the nation.

“Let me conclude by reminding us that the strength of any police institution lies not merely in its authority, but in the integrity, discipline and sense of duty of those entrusted with its leadership.

“As Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, you must remain steadfast in upholding the core values of professionalism, accountability and service to the Nigerian people,” he said.

Earlier, a former Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lawrence Alobi, in a goodwill message, expressed concern over the conduct of some officers in the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the situation had become troubling and urged serving officers to work towards restoring the image and integrity of the police.

Alobi noted that since his retirement, he had watched developments within the force with deep concern.

“Since I retired, I watch with a heavy heart the actions of some of the current crop of officers in the Nigerian Police Force, and it makes me weep,” he said.