Disu Assumes Office as Acting IGP, Pledges Professional and Accountable Policing

Tunji Disu has officially taken over as Nigeria’s Acting Inspector-General of Police following his appointment by Bola Tinubu.

The 59-year-old officer assumed office during a brief handover ceremony at Louis Edet House in Abuja, just a day after his appointment and decoration by the President at the Presidential Villa.

In his inaugural remarks, Disu outlined three guiding pillars for his tenure—professionalism, modernization, and accountability. Addressing senior officers and guests, he stressed that integrity, courage, and compassion must define policing across the country.

He charged officers nationwide to give their best in service to Nigerians, assuring them that their welfare and working conditions would also receive priority attention.

“Leadership in this service must be visible, accountable, and worthy of being followed,” he declared, adding that the ceremony marked the beginning of serious work rather than celebration.

Disu’s appointment followed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family concerns.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong confidence in Tunji Disu, urging him to lead the Nigeria Police Force with firmness and fairness.

During the decoration ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu referenced Disu’s record in Lagos State, where he previously served in key roles including head of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

The President tasked the new police chief with prioritizing the protection of lives and property while introducing innovative strategies to confront Nigeria’s security challenges, including terrorism and banditry.

“Nigeria faces serious security threats. You must be part of the thinking and innovation required to overcome them,” the President stated.

Before his new role, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. Over his career, he has held positions as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, among others.

A member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has served in various operational and intelligence roles nationwide.

Former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has called on his successor, Tunji Disu, to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen intelligence-driven policing.

At the official handover ceremony in Abuja, Egbetokun expressed confidence in Disu’s competence and strategic ability, describing him as one of the best suited for the role.

He highlighted achievements recorded during his tenure, including improved inter-agency collaboration, enhanced accountability systems, better officer welfare packages, and strengthened insurance and housing initiatives.

According to him, targeted security operations disrupted kidnapping rings and dismantled violent criminal syndicates across the country.

Egbetokun emphasized that public trust must be earned through transparency, integrity, and measurable results, urging the new police chief to ensure that progress not only continues but accelerates.