By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has described his elevation as a “huge burden” rather than a personal achievement, urging Nigerians to withhold congratulations and instead hold him accountable to deliver meaningful reforms.
Speaking shortly after his appointment as head of the Nigeria Police Force, Disu said the weight of insecurity across the country demands sober reflection and urgent action, not celebration.
“It is not a moment for applause,” he said. “It is a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders at a critical time in our nation’s history.”
Reform, Discipline and Professionalism
The new police chief outlined a broad reform agenda centred on restoring professionalism, discipline and public trust within the force. He pledged to prioritise intelligence-led policing, improve officers’ welfare and strengthen internal accountability mechanisms.
Disu said he would focus on rebuilding confidence between citizens and law enforcement, stressing that community policing would form a central pillar of his leadership.
“We must return to the basics of ethical policing and service to the people,” he said, promising zero tolerance for misconduct, corruption and human rights violations within the ranks.
Tackling Insecurity
Nigeria continues to grapple with armed banditry, kidnappings, separatist tensions and other forms of violent crime in several regions. Disu acknowledged the scale of the challenge, vowing to work closely with other security agencies to enhance coordination and operational effectiveness.
He also emphasised the need for technology-driven strategies, better intelligence gathering and proactive crime prevention rather than reactive enforcement.
A Call for Public Support
While insisting that the task ahead is daunting, Disu appealed to Nigerians for cooperation and credible information-sharing to help security agencies perform effectively.
“Policing cannot succeed without the support of the public,” he said. “Security is a shared responsibility.”
His appointment comes amid growing calls for institutional reform and improved accountability within the police. Observers say the coming months will test whether his pledges translate into measurable improvements in safety and public trust.
For Disu, however, the message remains clear: the office is not a trophy, but a test of leadership at a time of national strain.
