The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Friday declared that the “era of impunity is over” in the Nigeria Police Force.
He warned officers against misconduct, abuse of power and unprofessional behavior capable of bringing the force into disrepute nationwide.
Disu gave the warning in Benin during an official visit to the Police Command in Edo, where he addressed officers on discipline, professionalism and accountability in policing.
The IGP referenced recent incidents involving alleged police misconduct, including the killing of a suspect in Delta and extortion allegations against officers in Port Harcourt.
He condemned the alleged shooting of a suspect after the individual had already been apprehended by civilians and handed over to police officers.
“Is that what we are taught in the academy? Is that what they taught us in college?”.
“How did you feel after that policeman disgraced all of us?.
“You felt bad about it. You felt it was difficult for you to put on your uniform after that,” he added.
Disu said that officers involved in the incident had been recommended for dismissal, while the Police Service Commission had already approved the recommendation.
According to him, the case file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further legal action and prosecution.
The IGP also said that officers arrested in Port Harcourt for allegedly extorting residents had equally been recommended for dismissal from the police force.
“They started moving around town, arresting everybody arbitrarily and finally collecting their money from ATMs.
“They have all been recommended for dismissal,” the police chief added.
Disu said the force was determined to build a new Nigeria Police Force founded on professionalism, discipline and public trust.
“I know I cannot do it alone. That is why I’ve come to talk to you so that all of us will be on the same page,” he said.
He maintained that Nigerian police officers possessed the capacity to rank among the best globally if they embraced professionalism and accountability in service delivery.
“Are you happy the way the Nigerian Police have been rated?.
“I know you and I can do better. I know the stuff with which all of you are made.
“I know we qualify to be the best police in Africa. We are qualified to be the best in the world if we want to do it,” he added.
The IGP, however, commended officers for their sacrifices and contributions toward maintaining peace and national security across the country.
“It is not all bad. Officers, you have been wonderful. You have been the ones who have kept the country together as it is today,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Monday Agbonika, said the command had intensified intelligence-led policing and operations against criminal elements across the state.
Agbonika said the command had recorded successes against kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related crimes through the activities of the Violent Crime Response Units.
He appealed for more operational support, including arms, ammunition, armored personnel carriers and additional manpower to strengthen security operations statewide. (NAN)
