THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has paid glowing tribute to men and women of the police Force who laid their lives in the protection of others with an assurance that the deceased families will always have the shoulder of the force to lean unto.

The IGP also warned that erring officers and personnel will face disciplinary actions irrespective of their ranks or influence .

Speaking at the second edition National Police Day and first under his leadership , the Inspector General of Police reiterated that  every life lost in service is a debt on the Police conscience.

He stated that every fallen officer must be seen as a call to do better, be better and to serve better.

Emphasizing the need for collaboration and discipline, the Police boss called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, and the media to see themselves as partners by forging  continued collaboration.

IGP Disu said: “Today, I stand before you with a profound sense of duty and a clear understanding of the moment we are in as a nation. I stand not just as the Inspector-General of Police, but as a servant of the Nigerian people, deeply aware of your expectations, conscious of your concerns, and committed to earning your trust. This is my first address to you on a national platform since assuming office. I consider it both an honour and a solemn responsibility. And I say this plainly: This moment will define who we are, and who we must become. “The National Police Day is a moment of truth. A moment to honour sacrifice. A moment to reflect with honesty. A moment to make a clear commitment about the future of policing in Nigeria.

” On behalf of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police force. I express our deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for institutionalising this day. This is not symbolic alone. It is a statement of belief in the Nigeria Police Force and in our capacity to reform, to improve, and to serve this nation better.”

He continue,”today, we bow our heads in honour of our fallen heroes. Men and women who left their homes in uniform and never returned. Men who kissed their children goodbye, not knowing it would be the last time. Women who stood their ground in the face of danger, so others could sleep in peace. They did not die for applause. They did not die for recognition. They died for duty. For country. For all of us.

“Your sacrifice is not invisible. Your pain is not ignored. Under my leadership, your loved ones will not be remembered only in ceremonies, but in the standards we uphold every single day.

“To the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force across our country, I speak to you today not just as your Inspector-General, but as one of you. I know the risks you take. I know the sacrifices you make. I know the pressures you face. I salute your courage. I recognise your dedication. But I must also speak with clarity, because this moment demands honesty: The Nigeria Police Force must rise. We must rise above indiscipline. We must rise above misconduct. We must rise above every action that diminishes the honour of this uniform.”

The IGP further warned,” Let me be unequivocal; rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law. There will be no sacred cows. “Accountability under my leadership will be firm, fair, and without exception.

“And let me say this with equal clarity: This leadership will stand firmly with every officer who does what is right. We will improve your welfare. We will strengthen your capacity. We will equip you properly. Because a respected and professional Police Force must be built on officers who are supported, trained, and treated with dignity.”

He emphasized that,” the Nigerian people, I speak today not with promises, but with commitment. We hear you. We understand your concerns. We acknowledge the distance that has grown between the Police and the people. We are determined to close that gap. You will see a Police Force that is more accountable, more professional, more disciplined, and more human. “A Police Force that does not intimidate but protects. That does not alienate but partners. That does not instill fear but earns respect. We will not stand above you. We will stand with you.
Policing in the 21st century must evolve and we will evolve deliberately. We are already moving. We have launched new mechanisms for internal discipline and public accountability. “We are investing in training, technology, and community engagement. These are not future plans. They are actions in motion today.

“We are building a Police Force that is intelligence-led, technology-driven,and community-focused. We will strengthen our investigative capacity, modernise our operations, and deploy innovation to combat modern crime. Our actions will be guided not by force alone, but by intelligence, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”