President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday formally charged the newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to not only sustain but significantly improve the standards of the Nigeria Police Force, as the country continues to confront grave internal security challenges including banditry, terrorism, and a wide range of organised criminal activities.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, where he personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, the President described the appointment as coming at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” and expressed strong confidence that the new police chief possesses the capacity and resolve required to rebuild public trust and reposition the Force for greater effectiveness.
In his words, “The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities.”
Drawing extensively from his personal experience and long-standing professional acquaintance with Disu, Tinubu recalled their working relationship during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, noting that his confidence in the new IGP was rooted in firsthand knowledge of Disu’s record, work ethic, and sense of duty.
“I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State. Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the President said, underscoring that the appointment was not accidental but based on proven competence and loyalty to service.
He stressed that the expectations of Nigerians were high and that Disu was stepping into a role that demands courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to reform.
The President went on to outline clear and non-negotiable priorities for the new police leadership, placing particular emphasis on discipline within the ranks, professionalism in operations, and robust collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies.
“I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police. Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” Tinubu charged, making it clear that the success of the Force under Disu would be measured by tangible improvements in public safety and the everyday experience of citizens.
While acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, Tinubu assured Disu of unwavering presidential backing as he takes on the leadership of Africa’s largest police organisation.
“It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda. You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” the President stated, linking Disu’s expected performance directly to the broader vision of his administration.
He further urged the new police chief to benefit from institutional continuity by drawing from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony. “You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you. You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation. The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” Tinubu said.
Turning his attention to the outgoing IGP, the President offered warm words of appreciation, framing Egbetokun’s legacy as inseparable from the success of his successor.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country. Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force. You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” Tinubu said. He added a reflective note, stating, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor. Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.”
The President further noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun had adequately prepared him for the top job, saying, “Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation. He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know.”
The ceremony, which took place at about 4:00 pm in the President’s office, was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other senior government officials. President Tinubu’s act of personally pinning the new rank insignia on Disu symbolically marked the formal transfer of leadership of the police force, reinforcing the significance the administration attaches to security sector leadership at this critical juncture.
In his response, Disu expressed deep emotion and gratitude, pledging to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President and the Nigerian people, while vowing to confront impunity and corruption head-on.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents.
He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
Emphasising citizen-centred policing, he said, “One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
Egbetokun, in his own remarks, expressed strong confidence that his successor would outperform him, saying, “I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done.”
The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family issues requiring his full attention, although multiple Presidency sources disclosed that he was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday evening at the Presidential Villa.
Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory age of 60; however, under the amended Police Act allowing Inspectors-General a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age, he could remain in office until 2030.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu is expected to convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP, after which his nomination will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
From Lagos Island to the Apex of Policing Leadership
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island in Lagos State, Tunji Disu has built a policing career that spans more than three decades, marked by steady progression through demanding operational and leadership roles within the Nigeria Police Force.
He formally joined the Force on May 18, 1992, embarking on a professional journey that would see him serve in some of the most sensitive and high-impact security assignments in the country. Over the years, Disu developed a reputation for operational discipline, strategic thinking, and an ability to manage complex security challenges, attributes that gradually propelled him into national prominence.
His profile rose significantly during his six-year tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, a period widely regarded as transformative for the unit. Under his leadership, the squad became known for its tactical efficiency and responsiveness, achievements that culminated in the unit winning the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
On August 2, 2021, Disu was appointed to head the Intelligence Response Team, taking over from the suspended Abba Kyari, a role that placed him at the centre of high-level intelligence and counter-crime operations. Prior to his elevation as acting Inspector-General of Police, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex at Alagbon, Lagos, further consolidating his experience in criminal investigations and strategic policing.
His appointment as IGP is also expected to trigger the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, in line with the long-standing tradition that senior officers vacate their positions when a junior colleague is appointed to lead the Force.
Taking the Helm at Force Headquarters
Disu formally assumed duty as acting Inspector-General of Police on Wednesday, shortly after being decorated by Bola Tinubu earlier in the day. Upon his return from the Presidential Villa at about 4:15 p.m., the new police chief arrived at the Force Headquarters, where he took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard and other senior officers, symbolically marking the commencement of his leadership.
He subsequently proceeded to the official handover ceremony with his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the event dressed in a blue suit, white shirt, and tie, alongside Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and other top-ranking officers.
In his inaugural remarks, Disu expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence placed in him, stating that the Nigeria Police Force possesses the institutional capacity to confront and overcome the country’s prevailing security challenges.
He noted that the Force is made up of “brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations,” while also acknowledging that the organisation is not without its shortcomings.
According to him, challenges such as a trust deficit between the police and communities, outdated systems, resource gaps, and instances of misconduct must be openly addressed if meaningful reform is to be achieved. “These are truths we must confront with resolve in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.
A Reform Agenda Built on Professionalism, Accountability, and Trust
Outlining the strategic direction of his tenure, the acting Inspector-General identified three core priorities that would define his leadership: professionalism and modernisation, accountability and integrity, and strengthened community partnership.
On professionalism, Disu said the Force would fully embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools, and evidence-based practices, stressing that officers would be better trained and better equipped to meet modern security demands.
He emphasised that policing in the contemporary era requires innovation, adaptability, and continuous capacity building to remain effective.
On community partnership, the acting IG underscored that effective policing cannot succeed without the active cooperation of the public, noting that community policing would become central to the operations of the Force under his watch.
He urged officers to uphold integrity, compassion, and courage in the discharge of their duties, while assuring them that efforts would be made to improve welfare, working conditions, and overall morale.
At the same time, he called on Nigerians to actively partner with the police by reporting crimes, engaging constructively with officers, and holding the institution accountable when necessary, stressing that public trust and collaboration remain indispensable to achieving sustainable security nationwide.
Addressing accountability and integrity, Disu delivered one of his strongest messages, declaring an unequivocal end to impunity within the Force. He stressed that disciplinary measures would be applied across all ranks without exception, making it clear that his leadership would not tolerate abuse of power.
He said, “I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over. The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes.
This applies at every rank, without exception, including those closest to me. I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable. We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.”
He further pledged to reinforce internal oversight structures and ensure that transparency and due process guide disciplinary actions.