Treat citizens with civility, IGP Disu charges officers during latest Lagos visit
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Saturday charged officers of the Nigeria Police Force to treat members of the public with civility and professionalism, stressing that citizens remain the “bosses” of the police.
Disu gave the directive during a courtesy visit to members of the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO) at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, where he reiterated the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the public.
Earlier, the police chief had addressed officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at their premises, which shares a boundary with the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre housing journalists covering the Lagos State Government.
Speaking during the visit, Disu emphasised that the success of policing depends largely on cooperation and mutual trust between the police and the community.
“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, a former commander of the RRS in Lagos, recalled his close working relationship with journalists, noting that their offices were once located within the same premises, which fostered collaboration and understanding.
He explained that his visit to Lagos formed part of ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General, the state governor, and officers of the RRS, aimed at strengthening institutional relationships.
Responding on behalf of the press crew, LAGOCO Chairman, George Okojie, commended Disu for his longstanding relationship with journalists and his people-oriented approach to policing, describing him as a humble and accessible leader who consistently supported media practitioners both professionally and personally.
