The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Tuesday decorated 30 senior police officers with their new ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP decorated 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 17 Commissioners of Police, describing their elevation as a significant milestone in their career progression and a testament to their professionalism, resilience and dedication to service.
Disu charged the newly promoted officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and integrity in their new positions, warning them against misconduct, abuse of office and corruption.
He said, “I expect you to lead with uncompromising integrity, with no tolerance for misconduct, abuse of office or corruption.”
The IGP also urged the officers to lead by example, noting that their conduct would influence the officers under their command. “Your calm will become their calm. Your discipline will become their standard.”
He further charged the newly promoted officers to balance firm leadership with concern for the welfare of the personnel under their command, stressing the importance of treating officers as people, not merely as personnel.
He continued, “But I also expect you to lead with humanity in mind. The officers under your command are watching not just what you demand of them, but what you protect them from, what you fight for on their behalf. And whether you see them as people, not just personnel, a force that takes care of its own is a force its own will die defending.”
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force must continue to build a modern, intelligence-led and technology-driven institution while remaining focused on its core responsibility of protecting Nigerians and ensuring safer communities.
He said public confidence in the police must be earned through fairness and respect, stressing that trust between the Force and communities could determine whether members of the public provide critical information that could save lives.
The IGP also urged the newly promoted officers to mentor younger personnel and provide them with the guidance and support needed to advance in their careers.
He continued, “Public confidence is not a public relations exercise. It is the difference between a tip that saves a life and a silence that costs more.
“I ask in return that you mentor those coming up behind you the way you wish someone had mentored you, honestly, patiently, and with belief in what would become.”
The IGP also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of the newly promoted officers, noting that they had endured prolonged postings, separation from loved ones and other challenges associated with police service.
“To the families gathered here today, this rank belongs to you as much as it does to the officers wearing it. Every posting you endure alone, every worry you carry in silence, every sacrifice you make without recognition- thank you, all of you, for coming.”
Disu urged the newly promoted officers to recognise the responsibility attached to their new ranks and lead in a manner that would inspire younger police personnel aspiring to rise through the ranks.
“You earned it. Somewhere tonight, a young officer joining this force is hoping to become what you already are. Lead in a way worthy of that hope.”
He called for a professional, disciplined and accountable police force committed to protecting every Nigerian.
The IGP expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his support for the Nigeria Police Force.
He also commended the Police Service Commission for its continued partnership in ensuring a transparent, fair and credible promotion process.
In his closing remarks, Disu urged the newly decorated officers to wear their new ranks with humility and pride as they assume greater responsibilities within the Force.
(The Whistler)