Impunity Ends Now, IGP Warns Police Officers
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has declared an end to recklessness and impunity within the Nigeria Police Force, warning that erring officers will face immediate dismissal and prosecution.
Disu gave the warning on Thursday during the passing-out parade of 1,068 retrained constables at the Police Mobile Force Base 26 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“An unskilled officer with a gun is a danger, while a skilled, disciplined officer is a true guardian of the people,” he said.
The IGP emphasised that Force Order 237 remains in effect, stressing that firearms must only be used as a last resort, in proportion, and strictly within the law.
“Impunity ends now. Any officer who misuses a weapon or kills unlawfully will be dismissed and prosecuted—not transferred, queried, or redeployed. No badge is a licence to kill, and no uniform shields anyone from justice,” he stated.
He further cautioned officers against misconduct, including extortion, drunkenness on duty, and reckless handling of firearms, noting that violators would face summary dismissal and prosecution.
Disu also commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for retraining female officers in arms handling, stressing that competence in policing is not determined by gender.
He urged the newly retrained constables to act professionally, exercise restraint in the use of force, and treat members of the public with respect.
“The real test begins when you return to the streets,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, said some personnel had been deployed to a newly created Violent Crime Response Unit, established on the directive of the IGP to combat violent crimes across the state.
Azare highlighted recent achievements of the command, including the safe evacuation of explosives at the Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and the rescue of kidnap victims along the Calabar–Oron waterways.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing and called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
