A Bold Step to Enforce Professionalism, Discipline and Restore Public Confidence in the NPF

In a decisive push to reset standards within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at ending misconduct, strengthening discipline and rebuilding public trust in law enforcement. Confronting long-standing complaints of extortion, illegal checkpoints and harassment of citizens, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that in a recent firm charge to state Commissioners of Police, the IGP warned them to take full responsibility for the behaviour of officers under their command, warning that failure to enforce the new standards will attract strict consequences

For years, strained relations between citizens and law enforcement have shaped public perception of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Encounters at checkpoints, traffic stops and routine patrols have too often been marked by suspicion rather than trust. So when the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu came onboard as the 23rd police chief, one of the major key derivatives he sought was to restore public confidence and trust in the force. 

Beyond the talk, the IGP recently set plans into motion by engaging state Commissioners of Police across the country. THISDAY gathered that the candid session was a firm warning that the status quo cannot be maintained. 

According to a senior police officer, who spoke on strict condition of anonymity, the charge by the IGP could best be described as a defining moment for the NPF because it was a moment of reckoning, reform and renewed accountability.

THISDAY further gathered that rather than beginning with crime statistics or operational updates, the IGP opened his directive with a stark admission that set the tone for what followed: public fear of the police has become a painful reality that must be confronted head-on, and one he was determined to stamp out. 

In acknowledging the problem openly, he went on to demand immediate behavioural change across all commands. Essentially, at the heart of his address was a simple but powerful reminder of purpose that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the people, not intimidate them. That principle, he stressed, must guide every officer’s conduct moving forward.

Zero Tolerance For Misconduct

Central to the directive was a comprehensive list of practices that the IGP declared unacceptable and subject to immediate cessation. These included the solicitation of money from motorists and commuters, the operation of illegal checkpoints, harassment of citizens and the misuse of police authority for personal gain. The message was unmistakable: misconduct will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.

For many Nigerians, roadside extortion has long symbolised the breakdown of discipline within segments of the Force. By addressing the issue directly, the IGP signalled his determination to restore professionalism and dignity to policing operations nationwide. 

Equally troubling to the IGP, THISDAY gathered, was the practice of luring members of the public into committing traffic infractions for the purpose of arrest and extortion, an act he described as criminal behaviour by those sworn to uphold the law.

Another area of concern highlighted in the directive was the illegal deployment of officers to private homes and businesses for financial benefit. Such practices, the IGP was said to have emphasised how it undermines operational readiness and distort the mission of the Force. 

During his address, he was also said to have touched on professional appearance as officers were reminded to adhere strictly to uniform regulations, maintain proper grooming standards and comply with prescribed dress codes. He was said to have harped on these measures to reinforce discipline and institutional identity.

According to another senior officer, who was privy to the meeting, these directives from the IGP formed part of a broader effort to re-establish standards of conduct that reflect the values of integrity, service and accountability.

Leadership Accountability at Command Level

Beyond addressing individual misconduct, the IGP was also said to have placed clear responsibility on the shoulders of state Commissioners of Police, underscoring their role as custodians of discipline within their respective commands. 

It was gathered that his message to senior officers was both firm and unambiguous: leadership carries responsibility not only for operational performance but also for the behaviour of every officer under their command.

In practical terms, this means that misconduct by junior personnel will no longer be viewed as isolated incidents. Instead, it will be treated as evidence of supervisory failure. The directive reinforced the idea that effective policing begins with strong leadership that sets clear expectations, enforces standards consistently and responds swiftly to violations.

For Commissioners of Police, the new policy represents a shift from reactive oversight to proactive supervision, requiring closer monitoring of field operations and stronger internal discipline mechanisms. The implication is clear, meaning that accountability now flows upward as well as downward.

Structured System of Consequences

To ensure compliance, the IGP introduced a structured system of consequences designed to reinforce discipline across the Force. 

Under the new framework, THISDAY gathered that Commissioners of Police whose commands record incidents of misconduct will be required to provide formal explanations. Unsatisfactory responses may lead to official queries, while persistent supervisory failures could result in transfers or other administrative actions.

Perhaps most significant is the seven-day timeline issued to all commands to demonstrate measurable improvements in officer conduct. This deadline reflects a sense of urgency that has often been absent from previous reform efforts.

In real time, this signals that the leadership of the Force expects visible change within a defined period not promises of reform at some distant point in the future and in essence, the emphasis on measurable outcomes also introduces a performance-driven approach to discipline management, aligning leadership accountability with operational standards.

Strengthening Oversight and Public Participation

Recognising that internal reforms alone cannot rebuild trust, the IGP was also said to have outlined plans to introduce independent monitoring mechanisms across all police commands. 

These measures will provide members of the public with accessible channels to report misconduct directly to the highest levels of the Force, ensuring that complaints are addressed promptly and transparently.

At the same time, the directive introduced a Citizens Commendation System designed to highlight officers who demonstrate professionalism and integrity in their daily duties. This balanced approach of combining accountability with recognition, has reflected an understanding that institutional reform requires both discipline and motivation. Officers who uphold the highest standards will receive public acknowledgment, reinforcing positive behaviour across the organisation.

In addition, Assistant Inspectors General at the zonal level were instructed to conduct unannounced supervisory visits to State Commands, further strengthening oversight and ensuring compliance with operational standards.

Restoring Trust as National Priority

Ultimately, the directive represents more than an internal administrative order. It is a statement of intent aimed at rebuilding the relationship between the police and the public as a relationship that lies at the core of effective law enforcement.

A stakeholder, who also spoke to THISDAY, noted that the steps taken by the IGP was one in the right direction, noting that “Public confidence is not restored through policy statements alone; it is earned through consistent, respectful and professional interactions between officers and citizens.

“By acknowledging public fear, enforcing discipline and strengthening oversight, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is signalling a commitment to change that is both visible and measurable. For officers across the country, the message is clear: professionalism is no longer optional, it is the foundation of policing.”

A New Era of Responsibility

As the directive concluded, the IGP framed the reforms as the beginning of a broader transformation within the Nigeria Police Force. Every command has been instructed to brief personnel on the contents of the directive within seventy-two hours, ensuring that the message reaches officers at every level of the organisation. The emphasis on immediate communication underscores the urgency of the reforms and the expectation of swift compliance.

In many ways, this moment marks the start of a new chapter for the Force as one defined by discipline, accountability and renewed commitment to public service. Whether these reforms succeed will depend not only on policy directives but on the daily actions of officers across the country- a fact the IGP recognises, hence the charge to their supervising commissioners of police. 

The message from the top is unmistakable: the cleaning of the Force has begun, and the restoration of public confidence is now a national priority and knowing the type of policeman IGP Olatunji Disu is, the odds are in his Favour.