A New Dawn For Policing: Commending Ag IGP Tunji Disu’s Resolve To End Impunity -By Adewole Kehinde

The recent declaration by the acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, that he will usher in a regime of zero tolerance for corruption and put an end to impunity within the Nigeria Police Force is both timely and commendable.

At a period when public trust in law enforcement remains fragile, such clarity of purpose and moral conviction signals the beginning of what could become a transformative era in Nigerian policing.

His statement, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over… I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights… I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” resonates deeply with citizens who have long yearned for a police institution defined by professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

For too long, the image of the Nigeria Police Force has been weighed down by allegations of misconduct, abuse, and systemic inefficiencies. The acting IGP’s forthright commitment to reform offers renewed hope.

It is particularly reassuring that Ag IGP Disu has pledged to consolidate on existing reforms, enhance internal security mechanisms, strengthen community partnerships, and advance the Force’s mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.

These pillars are essential for repositioning the Police as a modern institution capable of addressing contemporary security challenges. Effective community policing, built on trust and cooperation, remains central to crime prevention and intelligence gathering.

By prioritizing human rights training and ethical standards, the acting IGP is laying the groundwork for a culture shift within the Force.

However, words must be matched with decisive action. The Nigeria Police Force continues to grapple with chronic underfunding, endemic corruption, and inadequate equipment. These structural deficiencies contribute to low morale among officers, weak operational capacity, and persistent public distrust.

Severe personnel shortages and insufficient training further compound the challenge. I look forward to the acting IGP confronting these systemic issues head-on by advocating improved funding, transparent resource management, and strategic investment in modern policing tools and capacity building.

Equally important is the need to address public perception. Over the years, the Force has often been viewed as susceptible to political misuse, a perception that undermines its independence and erodes confidence in its impartiality.

The acting IGP must demonstrate, through conduct and institutional reforms, that the Police serve the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not partisan interests. An independent and professional Police Force is indispensable to democratic consolidation.

The history of human rights abuses, including allegations of extrajudicial killings and harassment, has significantly strained police-community relations. These experiences have hindered the success of community policing initiatives and deepened suspicion between officers and citizens.

A holistic approach is required, one that strengthens internal accountability, enforces strict disciplinary measures, and establishes credible oversight mechanisms. Only by confronting past excesses and preventing future violations can the Force genuinely rebuild trust.

Furthermore, strengthening discipline and enhancing inter-agency collaboration must form part of the reform agenda. Security challenges today are multifaceted and require seamless cooperation among law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The acting IGP has the opportunity to foster synergy, eliminate rivalry, and ensure that security institutions operate in coordinated pursuit of national stability.

Leadership at this critical juncture demands firmness balanced with fairness. Ag IGP Disu must insist on professionalism at every level while providing officers with the welfare, training, and institutional support necessary to perform optimally. The safety of lives and property must remain the highest priority, guiding every operational and administrative decision.

Finally, reform must extend to addressing outdated legal frameworks and weak internal accountability mechanisms that limit effective oversight of police operations. Without modernized laws and robust supervisory systems, even the best intentions may falter. Institutional reform must therefore be comprehensive, touching legislation, operational guidelines, and internal governance structures.

In Ag IGP Tunji Disu’s bold declaration lies the promise of a renewed Nigeria Police Force, one guided by integrity, discipline, and respect for human rights.

The road ahead is demanding, but with courage, transparency, and sustained commitment, he can indeed mark the end of impunity and the beginning of restored public confidence in Nigerian policing. The nation watches with hope and expectation.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. email: kennyadewole@gmail.com