The Nigeria Police Council on Monday unanimously ratified the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), paving the way for his formal swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting.
According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the endorsement marks the culmination of a formal process initiated following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun and solidifies Disu’s ascension to the highest position in the Nigeria Police Force. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place as part of the FEC meeting at the State House in Abuja.
The Council’s meeting was presided over by President Tinubu and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Other key attendees included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and the Head of Service, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack. The event provided an opportunity for top government officials to express confidence in Disu’s leadership and for state governors to highlight his distinguished career in policing.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commended Disu for his exemplary service, particularly his tenure as commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos between 2015 and 2021, during which both he and the unit earned recognition for excellence in crime control.
“Disu’s leadership of the Rapid Response Squad set a benchmark in policing, demonstrating strategic efficiency and commitment to public safety,” Sanwo-Olu said, noting that the squad’s achievements under his command earned national and international attention.
Similarly, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State applauded the President’s appointment, highlighting Disu’s career record as justification for the endorsement, while Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State, lauded his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing the appointment, reinforcing the broad-based support among state leaders.
President Tinubu appointed Disu as acting IGP on February 25, 2026, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, and subsequently convened the Police Council to consider his substantive appointment.
Disu, 59, formally assumed office at a brief ceremony at Louis Edet House in Abuja shortly after being decorated as acting IGP. Until then, he had served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police the previous year and has previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State before being deployed by Egbetokun to the Federal Capital Territory as Commissioner of Police.
Career Milestones and Early Life
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Olatunji Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, beginning a career marked by diverse leadership roles across multiple states. He served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State; Ikare and Owo in Ondo State; and Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.
Over the years, he held pivotal positions, including Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping operations in Rivers State, and commanded SARS units in Ondo, Oyo, and Rivers states.
Disu later served as second-in-command of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Rivers State. His leadership portfolio includes tenure as head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, a position previously held by Abba Kyari, and membership in the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Disu pledged to uphold the highest standards of policing in his new role, telling the gathering of senior officers, family members, and other dignitaries, “My tenure will be built on three clear commitments: professionalism, modernism, and accountability.”
He emphasized that his administration would focus on providing accountable, modern, and professional policing throughout the country, signaling a continuation of disciplined and strategic law enforcement.
Disu’s career trajectory, from commanding the Lagos Rapid Response Squad to leading the national police force, reflects decades of experience across operational, intelligence, and administrative functions.
His appointment as substantive IGP consolidates his position at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force, with expectations for him to implement reforms, maintain public trust, and strengthen national security.
The formal swearing-in during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday will mark the official start of his tenure, establishing a framework for professional, accountable, and modern policing under his leadership.