Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has warned officers against taking the law into their own hands, saying anyone found culpable will face disciplinary action and prosecution.
He gave the warning during an official visit to the Edo State Police Command, where he addressed officers directly on the administration’s expectations and the need to rebuild public trust.
“I’m here to discuss with you one-on-one. I want you to see me, at least physically,” he said. “Are you happy about the situation that the Nigerian police is at the moment? Are you happy the way we have been rated? No. But I know you and I can do better.”
Refering to the recent incidents in Delta State and Port Harcourt, the IGP described them as embarrassing. He cited the case of an Assistant Superintendent of Police who allegedly shot a suspect handed over by citizens in broad daylight.
“They have been tried. The officers among them have been taken to FDC and they were recommended for dismissal. And the Police Service Commission has approved it,” Disu said. “The case files have been sent to DPP and I’m sure very soon they will be charged to court.”
He also referred to the recent parade of police officers who allegedly used vehicles to carry out arbitrary arrests and extort money from victims at ATMs. According to him, those officers have been queried, recommended for dismissal, and will face court proceedings.
“Like I mentioned earlier, the era of iniquity is over. We have to have the new Nigerian Police Force,” Disu said. “Do I have your cooperation that all of us are going to have a new police? Do I have your words that it’s going to be good as from now on?”
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, thanked the IGP for the visit and said the command had recorded major successes through collaboration with other security agencies. He added that more crime-fighting equipment was still needed to further reduce crime in the state.