The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a strong warning to Commissioners of Police (CPs) nationwide, declaring that illegal detention of suspects, abuse of office, corruption and other forms of professional misconduct will no longer be tolerated within the Nigeria Police Force.

The warning came as the police chief charged senior officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, protect citizens’ rights and ensure strict compliance with due process in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking during the Inspector-General of Police Meeting with Police Strategic Managers held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, Disu stressed that effective policing could only thrive where discipline, accountability and public trust remained central to leadership.

Addressing the gathering of police commanders, the IGP reminded them that their positions placed them at the forefront of maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions across the country.

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

According to him, leadership goes beyond the authority attached to an office and should be measured by the standards officers set, the confidence they inspire among citizens and the results they deliver in ensuring public safety.

Disu urged the commissioners to keep their commands operationally prepared at all times while ensuring that officers under their supervision uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for fundamental human rights.

He warned that unethical practices such as corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and unlawful detention continue to damage the image of the Nigeria Police Force and weaken efforts to provide effective and people-centred policing.

“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 stated.

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The police chief also emphasized the importance of strengthening community policing, directing commissioners to deepen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, community associations and other critical stakeholders at the grassroots level.

He described community partnerships as a vital tool in crime prevention and intelligence gathering, noting that sustainable security cannot be achieved without the active cooperation of the people.

“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,” he said.

Disu further noted that modern policing demands leaders who possess not only operational expertise but also strong communication skills, emotional intelligence and sound judgment in handling complex security challenges.

Earlier at the event, the IGP decorated 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 17 newly promoted Commissioners of Police in a ceremony witnessed by family members, colleagues and well-wishers.

Congratulating the newly elevated officers, he urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by leading with integrity, fairness and accountability while maintaining a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct.

The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by the police leadership to reinforce professionalism, improve service delivery and strengthen public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.