I Will Not Tolerate Illegal Detention of Suspects, Abuse of Office, IGP Warns CPs

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has warned Commissioners of Police across the country against illegal detention of suspects, abuse of office and other forms of misconduct, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated under his leadership.

He charged police commanders to uphold professionalism, respect human rights and ensure strict adherence to due process, noting that effective policing depended on disciplined leadership, accountability and public confidence.

Speaking during the Inspector-General of Police Meeting with Police Strategic Managers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, Disu said commissioners of police, as strategic commanders, had a responsibility to set the right standards and maintain the trust of the communities they served.

“Effective policing starts with effective leadership. As commissioners of police and strategic commanders, you are custodians of public confidence in your commands.

“Leadership is not measured by the authority you hold, but by the standards you set, the confidence you inspire and the results you deliver,” the IGP said.

He urged the CPs to ensure their commands remained operationally ready while holding officers to high standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens’ rights.

He warned: “Corruption, extortion, abuse of authority, unlawful detention and other unethical conduct undermine the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to deliver effective service.”

The IGP also directed commissioners to strengthen community policing through deeper engagement with traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth and women groups, community associations and other local stakeholders, describing such partnerships as essential to preventing crime.

“Community policing is not a side programme; it is the foundation on which effective policing rests. Our engagement with the communities we serve must be genuine, because their partnership is central to crime prevention,” Disu said.

He added that modern policing required leaders, who combined operational competence with effective communication, emotional intelligence and sound judgment.

Earlier, Disu decorated 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 17 newly promoted Commissioners of Police in a ceremony attended by their spouses and well-wishers.

Addressing the newly promoted officers, the IGP urged them to lead with integrity, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility, while maintaining zero tolerance for misconduct and corruption.