February 26, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Abuja, Nigeria — In a bold and uncompromising address to senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Acting Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has declared a “total war” on corruption, bribery, and impunity within the force, signalling a renewed push for internal reform and accountability.
The declaration came during a high-profile meeting held at the Police Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, where Disu outlined a strategic plan to strengthen ethical standards, enhance public trust, and eliminate practices that have long tarnished the image of Nigeria’s primary law enforcement institution.
Addressing senior officers, Disu emphatically stated that corruption and official impunity would no longer be tolerated within the ranks. “The Nigeria Police Force will be held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” he declared, emphasising that officers found engaging in corruption, bribery, or abuse of office would face unyielding sanctions.
Disu acknowledged that instances of misconduct have eroded public confidence, saying that addressing these issues is essential not only for justice but for effective policing and community collaboration. “We must rebuild trust with the Nigerian people,” he added, “and that begins with discipline from within.”
Policy Directives and Strategic Measures
The Acting IGP unveiled a series of policy directives aimed at tightening oversight, including:
- Enhanced internal audits to detect and deter corrupt practices
- Whistleblower protections for officers and citizens reporting misconduct
- Revised disciplinary protocols with swift sanctions for violations
- Training programmes focused on ethics, human rights, and community policing
Disu instructed that the Police Service Commission, anti-corruption agencies, and police leadership work in tandem to ensure that the new measures are implemented without delay. “This is not merely rhetoric,” he said. “This is a structural shift in how we do policing.”
Public Trust and Institutional Reform
Political observers have long noted that corruption allegations within the Nigeria Police Force — ranging from bribery at checkpoints to abuses of power — have contributed to public distrust and scepticism about law enforcement. Disu’s statement underscores a growing recognition within the force’s leadership that sustainable reform must be prioritised.
Civil society groups welcomed the announcement but cautioned that implementation will determine its success. “Leadership is important,” said a rights advocate, “but accountability must follow action — not words.”
Challenges and Expectations
While the declaration has been broadly applauded, analysts note that systemic corruption in policing is deeply rooted and will require sustained political will, resources, and transparency to eradicate.
Experts emphasise the need for:
- Robust data collection and public reporting of disciplinary actions
- Community engagement mechanisms to track police performance
- Strengthened oversight by external bodies, including anti-graft agencies
“Culture change within institutions takes time,” said a governance expert. “But what matters most is consistent enforcement and measurable results.”
A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Police Force?
The Acting IGP’s emphatic declaration represents one of the most assertive commitments by police leadership in recent years to tackle corruption and impunity head-on. Whether this will translate into meaningful change — restoring confidence in the force and reducing abuses — remains to be seen, but Disu’s stance has already reshaped internal expectations and public discourse.
As implementation begins, Nigerians and rights groups alike will be watching closely, demanding transparency and results in the fight against corruption at every level of the nation’s security architecture.