The Presidency has disclosed that Nigeria is moving closer to establishing state police, with a constitutional amendment required for the new policing structure expected to be introduced soon.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, made the disclosure after a high-level consultative meeting on state police held at the State House in Abuja.

According to Gbajabiamila, discussions on the proposed state policing framework began several months ago on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and have made significant progress.

He explained that establishing state police involves complex constitutional and legal processes that require extensive consultations among stakeholders, including the Executive, the National Assembly, and security agencies.

“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President. Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction,” he said.

Constitutional Amendment Under Consideration

Gbajabiamila stated that attention is now focused on drafting the constitutional amendment that will provide the legal basis for state police, while enabling legislation will follow afterward.

“Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter,” he added.

The Chief of Staff noted that there is growing national consensus on the need for state police, stressing that the debate has shifted from whether Nigeria should adopt the system to how it should be implemented effectively.

Tinubu to Receive Report

Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu would be presented with a detailed report of the consultations and recommendations arising from the meeting.

The proposed reform is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by improving grassroots intelligence gathering, enhancing rapid response capabilities, and empowering state governments to address local security challenges more effectively.

President Tinubu has consistently advocated for decentralised policing, arguing that state police would provide a more effective response to the country’s evolving security threats while improving protection of lives and property.

Key Stakeholders Attend Meeting

Among those present at the meeting were Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior government and security officials.

If approved, the state police initiative would represent one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history, potentially reshaping law enforcement and internal security management across the country.

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The appointment of Tunji Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has triggered expectations of a major shake-up within the top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force, with at least eight Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) likely to retire in line with longstanding institutional tradition.

President Bola Tinubu approved Disu’s appointment following the resignation of the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family considerations. Egbetokun had been appointed in June 2023 for a four-year tenure scheduled to end in 2027, under the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu acknowledged receipt of Egbetokun’s resignation letter and expressed appreciation for his service to the nation.

Until his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

Tradition of Senior Officers Stepping Down

In Nigeria, it is customary — though not legally mandated — for senior officers to retire when a junior officer is appointed IGP. The practice is rooted in the Force’s adherence to hierarchy, seniority and institutional stability.

With Disu’s appointment, attention has turned to several serving DIGs who are senior to him and may now exit the Force.

DIGs Likely to Retire

1. Frank Mba
Mba began his policing career as an Inspector and rose steadily through the ranks. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1999 and later advanced to Deputy Superintendent (2003), Superintendent (2008), Chief Superintendent (2012), Assistant Commissioner (2014), Deputy Commissioner (2018) and Commissioner of Police (2020). In March 2023, he was decorated as Assistant Inspector-General. A three-time Force Public Relations Officer, Mba also earned a United Nations Medal for service with the UN Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007.

2. Mohammed Gumel
Currently serving as DIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja, Gumel assumed office in late 2025. He is widely recognised for his advocacy of community policing and was named Best Community Policing Advocate of the Year in 2024.

3. Adebola Hamzat
Hamzat oversees the Department of Logistics and Supply. Appointed DIG in March 2025, he supervises procurement, works, housing and technical services. He previously served as AIG in charge of Zone 16 and as Commissioner of Police in Oyo State.

4. Yahaya Abubakar
Abubakar heads the Department of Finance and Administration at Force Headquarters. Promoted by the Police Service Commission in 2024, he oversees budgeting, human resources and administrative operations within the Force.

5. Basil Idegwu
Idegwu leads the Department of Research and Planning. Appointed in March 2025, he plays a key role in strategic planning and policy formulation. He holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Studies and has been instrumental in modernising policing frameworks.

6. Bzigu Kwazhi
As DIG in charge of Operations, Kwazhi coordinates nationwide security operations, including joint missions, riot control and election security. In 2025, he led high-level interventions in Plateau and Adamawa states.

7. Idris Abubakar
Appointed a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in May 1992, Abubakar holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and has occupied several senior leadership roles across the Force.

8. Adebowale Williams
Williams currently serves as DIG in charge of Information and Communication Technology. He oversees digital infrastructure and technological modernisation initiatives within the Nigeria Police Force.

Implications for the Force

Security analysts say Disu’s appointment signals a transition phase for the Nigeria Police Force, potentially ushering in new operational strategies and administrative priorities.

The likely retirement of multiple DIGs could create opportunities for further promotions and restructuring at the highest levels of the Force. Such transitions often influence operational direction, command structure and strategic focus areas, including intelligence, logistics and digital policing reforms.

While the tradition of senior officers stepping aside is not codified in law, it has historically been observed to maintain cohesion and respect for rank hierarchy.

Disu’s elevation therefore not only marks a personal career milestone but also sets the stage for significant leadership changes within the Force in the coming days.

Further announcements regarding retirements or fresh appointments are expected as the transition unfolds.

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.

Mr Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Appointment Close to Retirement

Born on 13 April 1966, Mr Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on 18 May 1992.

Under existing police regulations, officers must retire upon reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first. Without the new appointment, Mr Disu would have retired in April 2026 upon attaining the age limit.

Although he will only complete 35 years in service in May 2027, his elevation to the position of IGP entitles him to a statutory four-year tenure, unless he resigns or is removed by the president.

Similar Precedent Under Egbetokun

A similar situation occurred under Mr Egbetokun, who was appointed the 22nd IGP on 19 June 2023. Though initially set to retire upon attaining 60 years, amendments to the Police Act by the National Assembly now allow an Inspector-General to complete a four-year tenure regardless of age or years of service.

Mr Egbetokun’s appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council in October 2023, and he was expected to remain in office until October 2027 before resigning on Tuesday.

Who Is Tunji Disu?

Mr Disu is a career police officer with over three decades of operational and leadership experience.

Born on Lagos Island, he holds:

• A bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU)

• A postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies

• A master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University

• A master’s degree in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from LASU

He has undergone professional training in areas including small arms smuggling, internet fraud, forensic intelligence and strategic leadership, both locally and internationally.

Career Highlights

Mr Disu has served in multiple strategic roles across the country, including:

• Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in various states

• Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) between 2015 and 2021

• Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT)

• Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja

• Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos

In 2005, he led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), serving as Acting Chief of Staff in Darfur.

Before his latest appointment, he was attached to the Special Protection Unit (SPU) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, before being posted to Lagos earlier this month.

What the Appointment Means

Mr Disu’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition within the Nigeria Police Force. With a four-year tenure now in view, he is expected to oversee ongoing reforms, internal restructuring and national security coordination efforts.

The development also reinforces the impact of amendments to the Police Act, which now allow an IGP to complete a full four-year term irrespective of age limitations.

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The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, led a 10-member Nigerian federal government delegation to the United States on Wednesday to meet with Congressman Riley Moore regarding Nigeria’s security challenges and reports of Christian genocide.

The visit follows recent claims by former US President Donald Trump about the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, prompting international attention. Since then, the Nigerian government has highlighted efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to curb insurgency and protect citizens across the country.

Key members of the delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Nigerian Embassy; and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.

During the meeting in Washington, D.C., Nigerian officials outlined counterterrorism strategies, security assistance, and measures to protect vulnerable communities. Congressman Moore affirmed US support, stating that ongoing persecution against Christians and violent threats will not be ignored and pledged continued cooperation to address these challenges.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the President, shared updates from the discussions, highlighting the productive dialogue and opportunities to strengthen US-Nigeria collaboration on security matters.

The delegation’s engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling terrorism and reinforcing global confidence in its efforts to safeguard citizens from targeted attacks.

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The Federal Government has unveiled a National Task Force on the Recovery of Encroached Federal Lands and Properties, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, announced the move after a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at Force Headquarters, Abuja. He described federal lands as national assets held in trust for all Nigerians, meant to host housing estates, infrastructure, and projects that create jobs and drive development.

Dangiwa warned that illegal occupation of these lands hinders progress, wastes investments, and undermines the future of citizens. He commended the Police for backing the initiative, noting that the task force will include key Ministries, Agencies, and Security Services for a coordinated nationwide recovery effort.

The minister stressed that protecting federal lands aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring these assets serve communities and improve lives.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment, describing housing as central to citizens’ welfare. He praised the President’s directive to allocate over 1,000 housing units to police officers, calling it a step that boosts morale and strengthens service delivery.

According to him, the partnership underscores that federal assets belong to the people and must be preserved and utilized for the good of all Nigerians.

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