President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday formally decorated Tunji Disu with the rank of Acting Inspector‑General of Police, marking a significant leadership change at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force.
The decoration ceremony was held around 4 p.m. at the State House, Abuja, where Mr. Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform in the presence of key government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The immediate past Inspector‑General, Kayode Egbetokun, was also in attendance.
Disu’s elevation follows the resignation of Mr. Egbetokun, who stepped down earlier this week citing pressing family reasons. Tinubu accepted the resignation before naming Disu as acting IGP. Under provisions of the amended Police Act, the new inspector‑general may serve a four‑year tenure irrespective of age, meaning Disu could remain in office until 2030 if confirmed.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has served across several key operational and leadership roles. His past roles include Commissioner of Police in both the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, head of the Intelligence Response Team, and Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State—where he earned a reputation for firm crime‑fighting and disciplinary reforms.
At the ceremony, President Tinubu tasked Disu with the urgent mandate to strengthen discipline, restore public trust, and tackle persistent security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, and criminal violence confronting the nation. “Lead firmly but fairly… ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” Tinubu said in remarks quoted by officials.
The acting IGP’s appointment now moves to the Nigeria Police Council for formal consideration and, subsequently, to the Senate for confirmation, as stipulated under law.
