The decoration, which took place at about 4 p.m., was attended by top government and security 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 Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
President Tinubu personally affixed the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, formally ushering him into the nation’s top policing role. The President commended the outgoing IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, for what he described as his dedication, professionalism, and service to Nigeria during his tenure.
Disu’s appointment follows the resignation of Egbetokun, who submitted his letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family matters that require his “undivided attention.” The development came as a surprise to many observers, given Egbetokun’s prominent role in ongoing security reforms.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right) decorating the newly appointed, Ag Inspector General Police, Olatunji Disu with assited by Wife of the new Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mrs Olufunmilola Tunji-Disu during the decoration at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Wednesday. Photo: State House.
However, provisions in the amended Police Act now allow an Inspector-General of Police to serve a single four-year term regardless of age or years in service, once appointed and confirmed.
This means Disu could remain in office until 2030 if he is confirmed as substantive IGP by the Nigeria Police Council and subsequently by the Senate.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council in accordance with the Police Act, 2020, to formally consider Disu’s appointment. Upon approval, his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation as substantive Inspector-General of Police.
Disu’s appointment is expected to trigger a significant reshuffling within the upper ranks of the Nigeria Police Force. In keeping with long-standing police tradition, senior officers who are higher in rank or seniority but were not selected as IGP are typically expected to retire.
At least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police may be affected by this development. Among those potentially impacted are DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply), DIG Mohammed Gumel (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams (Information and Communication Technology), and former Force Public Relations Officer, DIG Frank Mba.
Such changes are expected to create room for new leadership and potentially reshape the strategic direction of the Force.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Tunji Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, beginning a career that has spanned more than 30 years across intelligence, operations, and administrative roles.
He is a graduate of Lagos State University and holds master’s degrees in Public Administration as well as Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology. He has also undergone extensive professional training both locally and internationally, including specialized courses in Botswana, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria.
Disu gained national recognition during his tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he led sweeping reforms, improved operational efficiency, and rebranded the unit with the slogan “The Good Guys.” Under his leadership, the RRS was named the Best Anti-Crime Squad in West Africa in 2016.
In 2021, he was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), succeeding suspended officer Abba Kyari, and was tasked with rebuilding public trust in the elite investigative unit.
He has also served in several key leadership roles, including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
Beyond his policing career, Disu is also an accomplished athlete. A third-dan black belt judoka, he represented Nigeria at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022, where he won a silver medal. He has also secured multiple medals at the National Sports Festival and Nigerian Police Games.
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, reflecting his commitment to professional development and global best practices in policing.
Disu is expected to formally assume office at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, where a handover ceremony and parade of senior officers will mark the official transition of leadership.
His appointment comes at a critical time, as Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and urban crime. Observers say his intelligence background and operational experience position him to play a key role in strengthening policing, restoring public confidence, and enhancing national security.
With his decoration now complete and confirmation process underway, all eyes will be on Disu as he takes on the responsibility of leading Africa’s largest police force into a new phase.
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