“Public are your Bosses,” IGP warns officers against misconduct

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has directed officers of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold civility and professionalism in their dealings with the public, stressing that citizens must be regarded as the “bosses” of the police.

Disu gave the charge during a courtesy visit to members of the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO) at Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday, where he reinforced the importance of public trust in effective policing.

Earlier, the police chief had addressed officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at their base, located adjacent to the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, which houses journalists covering the Lagos State Government.

Speaking during the visit, Disu underscored the central role of community cooperation in policing, urging officers to maintain high standards of conduct.

“I have told the officers not to bring the name of the Rapid Response Squad down. They must treat members of the public as their bosses because they are paid from taxpayers’ money. They should also see the people as partners, because without the community, policing cannot succeed,” he said.

Reflecting on his time as a former RRS commander in Lagos, the IGP recalled his close working relationship with journalists, noting that their offices once shared the same premises.

“I am happy to be here again and to see familiar faces. We worked together as one when I served here. Your support and cooperation back then meant a lot to us,” he added.

Disu explained that his visit formed part of a broader engagement with key stakeholders in Lagos, including the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General, Governor of the state, and officers of the RRS.

He noted that reconnecting with officers and longstanding partners, particularly the media, was essential in reinforcing discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights within the Force.

Responding on behalf of journalists, George Okojie of Leadership Newspaper, commended the IGP’s enduring relationship with the press and his people-centred approach to policing.

Okojie described Disu as a leader known for humility and accessibility, recalling his tenure as RRS commander when he maintained close ties with journalists and provided both professional and personal support.

“We are confident that the Nigeria Police is in capable hands. His leadership style gives hope that policing in Nigeria will continue to improve,” he said.