By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has charged the newly promoted Deputy Inspectors‑General of Police to deepen institutional reforms, uphold the rule of law, and reinforce professionalism as the Nigeria Police Force navigates an increasingly complex security environment.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony held on Monday, 9th March 2026, IGP Disu described the event as a solemn recognition of years of dedicated service and a milestone in the careers of senior officers who have risen to one of the most strategic leadership positions in the Force.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this significant occasion, the decoration ceremony of our distinguished senior officers who have been elevated to the prestigious rank of Deputy Inspector‑General of Police,” he said, noting that the ceremony represents far more than the simple affixing of new insignia.
According to the IGP, promotion to this rank is not only an honour but a profound call to duty, entrusted with responsibilities that transcend operational command. “You are now members of the top strategic leadership of the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated, adding that the officers are expected to provide institutional direction, enhance internal discipline, drive reforms, and ensure that policing strategies remain responsive to Nigeria’s evolving security needs.
IGP Disu emphasised that the security landscape confronting the Force has grown increasingly complex, with multifaceted threats including organised crime, cyber‑enabled attacks, violent criminal networks, and emerging security challenges testing the capacity and resilience of law enforcement.
“It is therefore imperative that our leadership remains forward‑looking, strategic, and firmly committed to professionalism and operational excellence,” he said, urging the newly decorated officers to bring to bear their experience in strengthening intelligence‑led policing, deepening inter‑agency cooperation, enhancing operational coordination across commands, and reinforcing accountability within the ranks.
The IGP implored the officers to make their tenure at this level a reflection of the highest institutional values, emphasising that their actions, decisions, and leadership style would shape the culture, direction, and public perception of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Let your tenure at this level be defined by discipline, fairness, transparency, and service,” he said, stressing that the Force’s strength lies not merely in its authority, but in the integrity, discipline, and sense of duty of its leaders.
IGP Disu also reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to repositioning the Nigeria Police Force into a more professional, technologically‑driven, and citizen‑focused institution. He noted that the roles of Deputy Inspectors‑General will be critical in driving this transformation and strengthening the Force’s capacity to effectively secure the nation.
At the ceremony, the IGP extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support and commitment to strengthening the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force as part of broader efforts to enhance national security. He also commended the Chairman and members of the Police Service Commission for their partnership and commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness and professionalism in the promotion processes within the Force.
Recognising the often‑unseen support that law enforcement families provide, IGP Disu paid heartfelt tribute to the families of the newly decorated Deputy Inspectors‑General, acknowledging that the sacrifices, patience, and encouragement of spouses and loved ones have contributed immensely to the distinguished careers now being celebrated.
IGP Disu concluded his address by reminding the officers that their new rank should be seen not only as recognition of past service, but as a renewed call to national duty. He urged them to lead with honour, serve with integrity, and work collectively to build a Nigeria Police Force that is respected, trusted and capable of meeting the security aspirations of the nation.
In his goodwill message, Retired Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, encouraged officers to embrace teamwork, discipline, loyalty and modern policing methods, stressing that the collective success of the Force depends on cooperation, dedication and professional excellence in service.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, also commended the Force for its dedication and sacrifices, highlighting shared partnerships in advancing human rights, community welfare, and public safety. She described the newly promoted officers as bearers of renewed hope for the country and encouraged them to uphold peace, integrity, and professionalism in their duties.
The event was capped with the official decoration of the officers with the rank of Deputy Inspectors‑General of Police, a gesture that affirmed their strategic leadership position within the Nigeria Police Force and underscored the institution’s ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity, reinforce discipline and sustain public trust.
