IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has urged police officers across Nigeria to treat members of the public with respect and see every encounter as an opportunity to build trust.
Speaking at a police programme, the Inspector-General of Police said policing had become increasingly demanding, with officers working long hours and facing risks while protecting lives and property.
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu said officers could not always guarantee that they would return home after reporting for duty.
He said this reality placed a heavy burden on police officers and their families.
The Inspector-General also raised concerns about the physical and mental demands of police work. He recalled checking the blood pressure and blood samples of officers while serving as a commander.
According to him, the exercise showed the need for police personnel to pay closer attention to their health.
He also called on Nigerians to understand the risks officers face while carrying out their duties.
However, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu stressed that police officers must also take responsibility for their conduct.
He said every officer who interacts with the public represents the Nigeria Police Force. This includes officers at checkpoints, stations and other public-facing duties.
He urged officers to abandon an “us versus them” attitude and instead see Nigerians as the people they were employed to serve and protect.
The Inspector-General said members of the public judge the police through their everyday encounters with individual officers.
He therefore urged personnel to treat citizens properly and perform their duties professionally.
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu also encouraged members of the public to report misconduct through the available police complaint channels.
He said complaints help the police identify problems and take corrective action.
He further praised police personnel, particularly rank-and-file officers, for their role in maintaining security.
The Inspector-General also thanked police families for supporting officers through prayers and other forms of support.
He called for stronger cooperation among security agencies and communities, saying collective action was necessary to protect lives and property.
