Accountability has emerged as the defining promise as Olatunji Disu formally assumed office as Acting Inspector-General of Police, signalling an institutional reset aimed at restoring confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

At a handover ceremony on Wednesday, Disu took over from Olukayode Egbetokun, outlining a leadership agenda that places discipline, transparent oversight, and ethical conduct above rhetoric, according to police authorities.

The new police chief acknowledged long-standing weaknesses within the system, including public distrust, outdated operational processes, gaps in resources, and instances of misconduct, describing these as realities the institution must confront head-on to function credibly.

Under his watch, officials say policing methods will shift toward intelligence-led operations, forensic support, and digital tools, with a clear message that abuse of authority and intimidation will no longer be tolerated as acceptable practices.

Disu warned that officers who undermine the integrity of the uniform would face established disciplinary procedures, adding that internal checks and external oversight would be strengthened to ensure complaints are investigated and outcomes communicated more transparently.

Beyond enforcement, the police leadership says community engagement will be tied to accountability, with routine interactions in neighbourhoods, markets, and schools designed not just to gather information, but to allow citizens assess conduct and performance.

Addressing personnel, Disu pledged improvements in welfare and working conditions, while insisting that professionalism and compassion remain non-negotiable, arguing that public trust depends as much on officer behaviour as on crime-fighting results.

He also acknowledged the confidence of President Bola Tinubu, describing the appointment as a responsibility to rebuild institutional credibility, with police authorities saying the coming months will test whether promised accountability reforms translate into measurable change.