AGO-IWOYE, NIGERIA — Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, made an emotional return to the Ago-Iwoye Police Division in Ogun State on Friday, the very station where he served as Divisional Police Officer decades ago, and in a moment captured on video that has since resonated with Nigerians, he asked a poignant question: “Can you go back to where you worked before?”
The question, posed during his visit to the station, was both rhetorical and deeply reflective. It came as Disu walked through the familiar premises, visibly moved by memories of his early service years. According to reports from the scene, the IG addressed officers at the station, reminiscing about his time as DPO and the challenges and triumphs of policing in that era, while also urging current officers to embrace professionalism and community engagement.
Disu’s visit was part of a broader tour of police formations in Ogun State, where he also assessed security operations and interacted with officers across various divisions. The Ago-Iwoye Division, which serves a densely populated area comprising both urban and rural communities, holds a special place in his career. It is one of the foundational posts that shaped his understanding of grassroots policing and community relations, a theme he has consistently emphasized since assuming the top police job.
Speaking to officers and community members gathered at the station, Disu reflected on the changes he had witnessed since his days as DPO. He recalled the challenges of policing in an era with limited resources and technology, contrasting it with the opportunities and complexities of modern policing. His visit was not merely ceremonial; it was an opportunity to reconnect with a community that had shaped his professional ethos.
“I started my journey here. This is where I learned that policing is not just about enforcing the law; it is about building trust, understanding the people, and solving problems together,” Disu was quoted as saying. “Can you go back to where you worked before? I am here today to remind myself and all of you that our roots matter. The foundation we build in our early years determines the quality of our service.”
The IG also engaged with community leaders and residents, using the occasion to strengthen ties between the police and the public. He reiterated his commitment to professionalising the force and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest standards of conduct, particularly in handling civil matters. His message was clear: the police must be a force that serves with integrity, respect, and accountability.
His visit comes at a time when the police force is under heightened scrutiny following a recent directive from the Department of State Services banning operatives from engaging in civil arrests. The directive, aimed at curbing abuse of power and reinforcing the agency’s focus on national security threats, has sparked discussions about the role of security agencies in civil disputes. Disu’s visit to Ago-Iwoye and his reflection on his own career journey underscores the importance of local policing and the enduring bond between officers and the communities they serve.
Disu’s tour of Ogun State also included visits to other police formations where he assessed operational readiness, reviewed crime statistics, and encouraged officers to maintain vigilance in the face of evolving security challenges. He commended the officers of the Ago-Iwoye Division for their dedication and urged them to continue building on the legacy of trust and service.
The emotional return to Ago-Iwoye has been widely discussed on social media, with many Nigerians interpreting the IG’s visit as a message to police officers about the importance of humility, service, and connection to the people they serve. For Disu, the visit was a reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, and that the best leaders never forget where they came from. As he continues to lead the Nigeria Police Force, his message is clear: policing must be grounded in trust, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the communities that officers are sworn to protect and serve.
