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 police’s “bosses”.

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

He said the effectiveness of policing depended largely on the cooperation and trust of the public.

“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 from taxpayers’ money.

“They should also see the people as partners, because without the community, policing cannot succeed,” he said.

The IGP, who had earlier addressed officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at their base, noted that the press centre used by journalists shared a boundary with the RRS station.

Reflecting on his previous role as RRS commander in Lagos, Mr Disu recalled his close working relationship with journalists covering the Lagos State government.

“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 then meant a lot to us,” he said.

He explained that his visit formed part of ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, the state governor and officers of the RRS.

According to him, the engagements are aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights within the Force.

In response, Chairman of the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents, George Okojie, commended the IGP for his longstanding relationship with journalists and his people-oriented approach to policing.

Mr Okojie described Mr Disu as a leader who had consistently demonstrated humility and accessibility, recalling his tenure as RRS commander when he maintained close ties with journalists.

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

(NAN)