‘Era of impunity in Police is over,’ Disu speaks after decoration as Acting IGP

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Newly decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has declared that the “era of impunity is over” in the Nigeria Police Force.

Disu spoke with State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, shortly after being decorated by President Bola Tinubu.

“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over,” he said, referring to officers and men under his command.

“I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” he added.

The acting police chief stressed that professionalism and public trust would form the cornerstone of his leadership.

According to him, his first engagement with officers would centre on redefining the relationship between the police and citizens.

“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss,” Disu stated, adding that “It’s very, very important for them to know that no police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”

He maintained that sustainable policing could not be achieved without rebuilding confidence between law enforcement and communities, noting that public cooperation remained critical to intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

Reflecting on the decoration ceremony, Disu admitted he was deeply moved when the President recounted his track record and past achievements in various commands.

“The President mentioning areas I’ve worked and successes I’ve recorded as a policeman brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” he said, stating that “It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country. It also shows that he is throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, to ensure that I bring peace, recognition and calm to the country.”

Beyond discipline and accountability, Disu pledged to prioritise the welfare of officers, arguing that motivation is directly linked to performance.

“I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration, because people who are motivated put in their best,” he said.

On Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including banditry and insurgency, the acting IGP expressed confidence in the capacity of officers nationwide, describing them as hardworking and committed.

“I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hardworking people. All I need to do is channel their morale and their thoughts to make anything better,” he stated.