IGP Disu urges Police officers to uphold civility, professionalism

…Rallies media for effective policing

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has charged officers of the Nigeria Police Force to treat members of the public with civility and professionalism, stressing that citizens remain the “bosses” of the police.

Disu gave the directive during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO) at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Earlier, the police chief addressed officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at their base, which shares a boundary with the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre that houses journalists.

Speaking during the visit, Disu emphasised that effective policing depends largely on public trust and cooperation.

“I have told the officers not to bring the name of the Rapid Response Squad down. They must treat members of the public as their bosses because they are paid with taxpayers’ money. They should also see the people as partners, because without the community, policing cannot succeed,” he said.

A former RRS commander in Lagos, Disu, recalled his close working relationship with journalists covering the state government, noting that their offices once shared the same premises.

“I am happy to be here again and to see familiar faces. We worked together as one when I served here. Your support and cooperation back then meant a lot to us,” he added.

The IGP said his visit to Lagos formed part of broader engagements with key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General, the state governor, and RRS officers.

He noted the need to reconnect with officers and long-standing partners, including the media, while reinforcing discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights within the Force.

Responding on behalf of the press corps, LAGOCO Chairman George Okojie commended the IGP for his longstanding relationship with journalists and his people-orientated approach to policing.

Okojie described Disu as a leader who has consistently demonstrated humility and accessibility, recalling his time as RRS commander when he maintained close ties with journalists and supported them professionally and personally.

“We are confident that the Nigerian Police is in capable hands. His leadership style gives hope that policing in Nigeria will continue to improve,” he said.