IGP Disu Mandates Nationwide Crackdown on Police Misconduct and Extortion
ABUJA — In a decisive move to overhaul the internal discipline of the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has issued a sweeping directive to Commissioners of Police (CPs) nationwide, demanding an immediate cessation of extortion, harassment, and the operation of illegal checkpoints.
The directive, communicated via an official signal to the police management team and operational commanders, labels the restoration of public confidence as a "top operational priority." IGP Disu acknowledged the "painful" reality of deep-seated public mistrust, noting that many citizens have come to fear police encounters as much as criminal threats—a reputation he declared unacceptable under his leadership.
Zero Tolerance for Systemic Abuses
The IGP’s order specifically targets several long-standing grievances, officially outlawing:
Highway Extortion: The routine collection of money from motorists.
Unauthorized Operations: The setup of illegal checkpoints and "stop-and-search" tactics used for intimidation.
Financial Coercion: The practice of forcing citizens to withdraw cash from ATMs under duress.
Unauthorized VIP Guarding: The deployment of officers for private duties in homes and businesses, which the IGP characterized as an abuse of authority and a violation of presidential directives.
Accountability and Command Responsibility
In a shift toward leadership accountability, IGP Disu stated that Commissioners of Police will now be held personally responsible for misconduct occurring within their jurisdictions. Command leaders have been given seven days to demonstrate "measurable improvements" in discipline or face formal queries and potential redeployment. Supervisory failure, he emphasized, will no longer be tolerated at any level.
A Balanced Approach to Professionalism
While the directive focuses heavily on curbing officer misconduct, the IGP assured the Force that the institution would defend personnel against public intimidation or disrespect. He maintained that the "dignity of the uniform" must be protected by both the officers and the civilians they serve.
New Oversight and Reward Mechanisms
To ensure these orders translate into field results, the Force is introducing several new oversight measures:
Independent Monitoring: Increased surveillance of field operations to ensure compliance.
Public Reporting Channels: Direct lines for citizens to lodge complaints with Force Headquarters.
Citizens Commendation System: A new initiative to recognize and honor professional officers based on monthly public nominations.
Commanders have been given 72 hours to brief their personnel and confirm compliance in writing. Describing this as a "decisive turning point," IGP Disu noted that the public is weary of empty promises and that the process of "cleaning up the Force" will be sustained until legitimacy is fully restored.