Tinubu Tasks Disu to Reform Police as He Assumes Office as Acting IGP

By the Editor

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday formally decorated Tunji Disu as the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), charging him to transform the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.

The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, comes at a time Nigeria continues to battle banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes. Addressing the new police chief, the President described the moment as critical for national security and urged him to leave the Force better than he met it.

“I expect you to improve the system and strengthen it beyond where you found it,” Tinubu said during the decoration. “Nigeria is currently facing serious security challenges, from banditry to terrorism and other forms of criminality. The responsibility before you is enormous, but I am confident you can handle it.”

Drawing from his time as Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu said he was already familiar with Disu’s track record and work ethic. According to him, the new IGP demonstrated commitment and discipline during his service in Lagos, qualities he believes will be vital in his new national role.

The President stressed the need for discipline within the Force, improved cooperation with other security agencies and renewed public trust in policing.

“You must strengthen discipline, promote professionalism and enhance collaboration among agencies,” Tinubu said. “Lead firmly, but with fairness. Let the protection of lives and property remain your top priority.”

He assured Disu of full presidential backing as he takes charge of Africa’s largest police force, noting that the task ahead may be demanding but not insurmountable.

“You have my support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda,” Tinubu added.

The President also advised the new police boss to leverage the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the event. Tinubu noted that Disu had worked closely with Egbetokun and was already familiar with the internal workings of the Force.

“You have been part of the leadership process and innovation within the Force. I believe you will excel, and Nigeria will prevail,” the President said.

In his remarks to the outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed appreciation for his service, describing his tenure as one marked by dedication and leadership.

“Nigeria is grateful for your commitment and your contributions to maintaining law and order,” the President said, adding that the success of a successor also forms part of a leader’s legacy.

Egbetokun, who resigned earlier in the week, cited family reasons for stepping down. However, sources within the Presidency indicated that his resignation followed discussions with the President at the Villa.

Disu’s appointment comes just weeks before his scheduled retirement in April 2026, when he would turn 60. However, under the amended Police Act, an Inspector-General can serve a single four-year term irrespective of age, meaning he could remain in office until 2030 if confirmed in a substantive capacity.

The President is expected to convene the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider the appointment before forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation.

In his response, Disu expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing the President’s remarks as deeply emotional.

“Hearing the President speak about my career and achievements was overwhelming,” he told journalists at the State House. “It almost brought me to tears.”

He vowed to confront misconduct within the Force head-on and declared that impunity would no longer be tolerated under his leadership.

“The era of impunity is over,” Disu stated firmly. “We will embrace zero tolerance for corruption. Officers must understand that the badge represents public trust, and anyone who abuses that trust will face consequences.”

The acting IGP said his first engagement with officers would emphasise respect for citizens and adherence to human rights.

“The citizens of Nigeria are our ultimate bosses. No police force anywhere in the world succeeds without public cooperation,” he said.

Upon returning to the Force Headquarters in Abuja after the decoration ceremony, Disu formally assumed duty. He took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard before proceeding to the official handover ceremony with Egbetokun, who attended dressed in a blue suit alongside senior officers.

Speaking further at the Force Headquarters, Disu acknowledged that while the Nigeria Police possesses capable and courageous officers, significant challenges remain.

He listed trust deficit with communities, outdated operational systems, inadequate resources and cases of misconduct as issues that must be addressed.

“These are realities we must confront if we are to reposition the Nigeria Police as a people-focused and trusted institution,” he said.

To tackle these concerns, Disu outlined three major priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and stronger community partnerships.

On modernisation, he said the Force would adopt intelligence-led policing strategies, expand forensic capabilities and deploy digital tools to improve investigations and crime prevention. He promised better training and improved equipment for officers.

Addressing accountability, he was unequivocal.

“Let there be no confusion — the days of impunity are over,” he declared. “Disciplinary measures will apply across all ranks, without exception. I will not demand public trust for a service that does not first hold itself accountable.”

He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight systems and promote transparency in line with the rule of law.

On community partnership, Disu emphasised that effective policing depends on collaboration between officers and the public. He said community policing would become central to the Force’s operational strategy.

He urged officers to carry out their duties with integrity, compassion and courage, while assuring them that efforts would be made to improve welfare and working conditions.

At the same time, he called on Nigerians to actively support the police by reporting crimes, engaging constructively and holding the institution accountable where necessary.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in May 1992. Over the past three decades, he has held several operational and leadership positions.

He gained national recognition as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, where he served for six years. Under his leadership, the unit earned regional commendation for its anti-crime efforts.

In 2021, he was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team, and before his elevation as acting IGP, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

His appointment is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, in keeping with the tradition that higher-ranking officials step down when a junior colleague is elevated to the position of Inspector-General.

As Disu begins his tenure, expectations remain high that his leadership will usher in reforms capable of restoring public confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s response to its evolving security threats.