The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu has urged the newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIGs, and Commissioners of Police, CPs, to maintain the utmost standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

He emphasized that their promotions signify the onset of greater responsibilities rather than a mere reward for previous accomplishments.

During the decoration ceremony for the newly promoted senior police officers, the IGP extended his congratulations to the officers for reaching another important milestone in their careers, characterizing the promotions as a well-deserved acknowledgment of their commitment, resilience, and years of exemplary service to the Nigeria Police Force.

He noted that the officers had gained the trust of the Force through their professionalism and steadfast dedication to their duties.

The IGP recognized the significant sacrifices made by police personnel throughout their service, which include extended separations from their families, challenging working conditions, and the pressure of fulfilling public expectations.

“I understand the toll of serving under such circumstances because many of you have personally borne those burdens. Missed birthdays, months spent away from home, nights in the field while your families yearned for your presence. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed,” he remarked.

The IGP reminded the newly promoted officers that their elevated ranks positioned them as role models for junior officers who would seek their leadership and guidance.

“This rank is not merely a reward for past achievements. It represents the Force’s confidence in your future contributions. Your character will serve as the example, and your discipline will set the standard,” he asserted.

He encouraged them to lead with unwavering integrity, cautioning against corruption, abuse of power, and other forms of misconduct.

“I expect you to lead with unwavering integrity, exhibiting zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, abuse of power, or corruption. Additionally, I expect you to lead with compassion. The officers under your command are observing to determine if you genuinely care for them as individuals, rather than merely as personnel,” he stated.

The police chief further underscored the importance of developing a modern, intelligence-driven, and technology-oriented police force while fostering robust relationships with the community.

“We must persist in our efforts to create a modern, intelligent, and technology-oriented police force, but we must never forget the underlying purpose—safer streets, safeguarded families, and communities that have faith in us,” he stated.

He emphasized that public trust is essential for effective policing.

“Public trust is not merely a public relations initiative. It represents the distinction between obtaining information that can save lives and the silence that ensues when trust is eroded,” he remarked.

The IGP reassured officers of the Police leadership’s ongoing commitment to their welfare, skill enhancement, and professional growth, while encouraging the newly promoted officers to mentor junior personnel and uphold the values of the Force.

In addressing the families of the officers, he recognized their steadfast support and sacrifices, indicating that the promotions also serve as acknowledgment of their resilience.

“To the families present here today, this rank is as much yours as it is the officers’. Every assignment you faced alone, every concern you bore in silence, and every sacrifice you made without acknowledgment contributed to this accomplishment,” he expressed.

The IGP also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigeria Police Force and commended the Police Service Commission for ensuring that the promotion process remained transparent, fair and credible.

He concluded by urging the newly decorated AIGs and CPs to wear their new ranks with humility and pride, reminding them that younger officers now look to them as role models.

“Lead in a way that inspires hope. Together, we will continue to build a Nigeria Police Force that is professional, disciplined, accountable and unwavering in its service to the people of Nigeria,” he said.