March 09, (THEWILL) — On Monday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatinju Disu, charged newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to inspire public trust and strengthen intelligence-led policing to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Disu gave the charge during a decoration ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where eight senior officers were formally decorated with their new ranks as members of the top strategic leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The officers decorated are DIG Zacharia Achinyan, DIG Zango Baba, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, DIG Margaret Challa, DIG Mohammed Sulaiman, DIG Kenechukwu Onwumelia, DIG Fayoade Mustapha and DIG Umar Nadada.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the police chief described the ceremony as more than the adornment of new insignia, saying it symbolised recognition of decades of dedicated service, professional excellence and unwavering commitment to policing in Nigeria.
“Promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police represents one of the highest levels of professional trust within our institution. It is both an honour and a call to duty, one that demands wisdom, integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and service”, Disu said.
He noted that the new DIGs now occupy critical positions within the strategic leadership structure of the Force and are expected to provide institutional direction while strengthening discipline and driving reforms across the organisation.
“As members of the top strategic leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, you are now entrusted with responsibilities that go beyond operational command. You are expected to provide institutional direction, strengthen internal discipline, drive reforms, and ensure that our policing strategies remain responsive to the evolving security landscape of our nation”, he said.
Disu also highlighted the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, pointing out that the police must adapt to emerging threats ranging from organised crime and cyber-enabled criminal activities to violent criminal networks.
“The security environment in which we operate continues to evolve in complexity. From organised crime and cyber-enabled threats to violent criminal networks and emerging security challenges, the expectations placed on the Nigeria Police Force have never been greater. It is therefore imperative that our leadership remains forward-looking, strategic and firmly committed to professionalism and operational excellence”, he said.
The IGP urged the officers to deploy their experience to strengthen intelligence-led policing, deepen collaboration with other security agencies and enhance operational coordination across commands.
“In this regard, I charge you to bring to bear your vast experience in strengthening intelligence-led policing, deepening inter-agency cooperation, enhancing operational coordination across commands and reinforcing accountability within the ranks. Your leadership must inspire confidence within the Force and trust among the citizens we are sworn to protect”, he said.
Disu further emphasised that their tenure at the new rank should be defined by discipline, fairness, transparency and service, noting that their conduct would shape the culture and public perception of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The rank you wear today places you as custodians of the institutional values of the Nigeria Police Force. Your actions, decisions and leadership style will continue to shape the culture, direction and public perception of our organisation”, he added.
The IGP also reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to professionalism and people-centred policing, urging the senior officers to lead by example in delivering effective security services to Nigerians.
The ceremony was attended by the member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono; the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori; former spokesperson of the State Security Service, Marilyn Ogar; members of the Force Management Team, serving and retired senior police officers, as well as families of the newly decorated DIGs.
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