The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu on Friday issued a stern warning to officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force against professional misconduct, abuse of power and acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Force, declaring that “the era of impunity is over.”
The IGP gave the warning during an official visit to the Edo State Police Command in Benin, where he addressed personnel on discipline, accountability and professionalism in policing.
Disu condemned recent cases of police misconduct across the country, including the killing of a suspect by an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Delta State and the arrest of officers accused of extorting residents in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Reacting to the Delta incident, the police chief criticised the officer involved for allegedly shooting a suspect in public after the individual had already been apprehended 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 queried.
“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 added.
The IGP disclosed that the officer implicated in the incident had been recommended for dismissal and that the Police Service Commission had already approved the recommendation.
According to him, the matter has also been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution.
Disu further revealed that officers recently arrested in Port Harcourt for allegedly using operational vehicles to extort residents had equally been recommended for dismissal from the Force.
“They started moving around town, arresting everybody arbitrarily and finally collecting their money from ATMs. They have all been recommended for dismissal,” he stated.
The police boss said the Force was undergoing a new phase of reform aimed at restoring professionalism and public confidence 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 all of us will be on the same page,” he said.
Disu maintained that officers of the Nigeria Police Force possess the capacity to compete favourably with their counterparts globally if they embrace discipline and professionalism.
“Are you happy the way the Nigerian Police have been rated? I know you and I can do better. We are qualified to be the best police in Africa. We are qualified to be the best in the world if we want to do it,” he said.
Despite his criticism of misconduct within the Force, the IGP commended officers for their sacrifices and role in maintaining national security.
“It is not all bad. Officers, you have been wonderful. 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, told the IGP that the command had intensified intelligence-led policing, bush-combing operations, high-visibility patrols and raids on criminal hideouts across the state.
Agbonika said the command had recorded successes against kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery suspects and cult groups through the activities of the newly created Violent Crime Response Units.
“The command has remained resolute in confronting security challenges through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and strategic deployment of tactical assets to combat violent crimes across the state,” he stated.
He, however, appealed to the IGP for additional operational support, including arms, ammunition, armoured personnel carriers and more manpower to tackle emerging security threats in the state.
“We humbly appeal for your continued intervention and support in these critical areas to further strengthen the operational capacity of the state command,” Agbonika said.
