President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Tunji Disu with his new rank as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The ceremony, held at about 4 p.m. at the President’s office, was attended by top government officials including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Disu’s Appointment and Tenure
Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would attain the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, Disu could remain in office until 2030 if confirmed.
He will serve in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and subsequent approval by the Senate, in line with constitutional provisions.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will convene the Nigeria Police Council to formalise the appointment before transmitting Disu’s name to the Senate.
Egbetokun’s Resignation
The decoration followed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who cited family issues requiring his “undivided attention.”
However, presidency sources indicated that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa.
President Tinubu commended the outgoing IGP for his service while officially announcing Disu’s elevation.
Possible Shake-Up in Police Leadership
Disu’s appointment is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers.
At least nine Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) may exit in line with the tradition that senior officers vacate their positions when a junior officer is appointed IGP.
Among those who could be affected are DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply), DIG Mohammed Gumel (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams (ICT), and DIG Frank Mba.
Sources within the Police Service Commission suggested that between 15 and 20 senior officers may resign following the new appointment.
Profile of Acting IGP Tunji Disu
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in English Education, Lagos State University
- Master’s degree in Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University
- Master’s degree in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology, Lagos State University
Professional Highlights
- Former Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos
- Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT)
- Commissioner of Police, Rivers State and FCT
- Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Force CID Annex, Alagbon
He led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan in 2005 and served as Acting Chief of Staff in Darfur.
Achievements and Public Recognition
Disu gained national recognition for reforming the Lagos RRS, branding officers as “The Good Guys.” Under his leadership, the squad won the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
During the 2020 #EndSARS protests, Disu reportedly released RRS ambulances to assist injured protesters, a move that earned public commendation.
Outside policing, Disu is a third-dan black belt judoka and silver medallist at the 2022 U.S. Open Judo Championship (veteran under-100kg category).
What Happens Next?
Disu is expected to formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, where a handover ceremony and parade of senior officers will take place.
His confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate will determine whether he transitions from acting to substantive Inspector-General of Police.
