President Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Mr. Tunji Disu with the rank of Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at the State House in Abuja.
The ceremony formally marks Disu’s elevation as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police, placing him at the helm of the nation’s primary internal security agency during a period of significant domestic challenges.
The transition follows the sudden resignation of the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down on Tuesday citing personal family reasons.
The swearing-in ceremony, which preceded the formal decoration, was attended by a cohort of senior government officials, members of the Federal Executive Council, and top brass from the security services.
While the President has exercised his executive authority to appoint Disu in an acting capacity, the elevation remains subject to formal confirmation by the Senate, as stipulated in the Police Act 2020.
Furthermore, a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council is expected to be convened shortly to consider his nomination for a substantive, permanent appointment to the office.
Addressing journalists shortly after the ceremony, the newly minted Acting IGP expressed profound surprise at his selection.
Disu noted that the appointment was unexpected, describing it as a moment of deep reflection on his career trajectory within the force.
He highlighted that the President’s remarks during the private briefing which touched upon Disu’s previous assignments and operational successes were particularly moving.
According to Disu, the President’s detailed knowledge of his professional history serves as both a validation of his past service and a clear directive for his future mandate.
The President’s decision to appoint Disu appears to be rooted in a “challenge” for the new police chief to replicate his previous operational successes on a national scale.
Disu emphasized that he views the appointment as a mandate to restore order, enhance the global recognition of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and stabilize the internal security climate of the country.
He acknowledged that the President has been monitoring the performance of various officers across the federation, suggesting a merit-based approach to the current leadership transition at the Louis Edet House.
Outlining his immediate administrative priorities, Acting IGP Disu identified the welfare of police personnel as a critical factor for institutional success.
He argued that the motivation of the rank-and-file is essential for achieving optimal performance in the field. However, alongside the focus on welfare, Disu issued a stern warning regarding the conduct of officers under his command.
He declared a regime of zero tolerance for corruption and signaled a definitive end to the “era of impunity” that has occasionally marred the reputation of the force.
Human rights and professional ethics are set to be central pillars of the Disu administration. The Acting IGP committed to implementing robust training programs designed to ensure that police operations are conducted within the boundaries of constitutional rights.
He maintained that the NPF cannot achieve its objectives without the active cooperation and trust of the Nigerian public.
To this end, he promised to prioritize community-oriented policing and to “drum it into” his officers that public partnership is the bedrock of effective law enforcement.
The appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a complex security landscape, including persistent insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and various forms of violent crime across the southern belts. Disu acknowledged the severity of these challenges, specifically referencing the ongoing “mandatory insurgency” as a primary concern. While he praised the hard work and resilience of existing officers, he indicated that his role would involve channeling their morale and strategic focus toward more efficient outcomes.
Tunji Disu brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously led several high-profile units, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
His tenure in these positions was characterized by a focus on technology-driven policing and proactive crime prevention.
Security analysts suggest that his appointment may signal a shift toward a more intelligence-led approach to national security, moving away from reactive measures toward more sophisticated surveillance and tactical interventions.
As the Senate prepares for the confirmation hearings, the focus of the police leadership will remain on ensuring a seamless transition.
The immediate task for the Acting IGP will be to stabilize the command structure following the exit of his predecessor and to reassure the public of the force’s readiness to manage emerging threats.
The administration’s focus on curbing corruption and impunity will be closely watched by civil society groups, who have long advocated for comprehensive police reform.
The finalization of Disu’s appointment will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Nigeria Police Force. With the backing of the presidency and a clear mandate to reform internal conduct, the Acting IGP faces the dual task of internal house-cleaning and external combat operations.
His success will be measured by the force’s ability to reduce crime rates and restore the public’s confidence in the institution’s ability to provide safety and justice for all citizens.
