ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday tasked the newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to leave the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, amid mounting security concerns across the country.
At a ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu personally decorated Disu with his new rank, describing his appointment as coming at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security landscape, marked by banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.
The President said he had confidence in Disu’s leadership capacity, recalling his performance during his time in Lagos when Tinubu served as governor. He urged the new police chief to strengthen discipline within the Force, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore public trust in policing.
Tinubu emphasised that safety of lives and property must remain the top priority, assuring Disu of his full support in advancing the administration’s security agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.
He also encouraged the acting IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, noting that leadership continuity and mentorship would be critical to the Force’s success.
Disu Pledges Zero Tolerance for Corruption
In his response, Disu vowed to end impunity within the Force and enforce a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
He said one of his first engagements with officers would focus on reorienting them to recognise that citizens are the true bosses of the police, stressing that no police institution can succeed without public cooperation.
“The days of impunity are over,” Disu declared, promising to uphold human rights standards and apply disciplinary measures across all ranks without exception.
He acknowledged existing institutional challenges, including a trust deficit between the police and communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and misconduct by some personnel.
According to him, confronting these issues head-on is necessary to reposition the Force as a people-oriented institution.
Three-Point Agenda
Disu outlined three key priorities for his tenure:
Professionalism and Modernisation: Adoption of intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practices, alongside improved training and equipment for officers.
Accountability and Integrity: Strengthening internal oversight mechanisms and ensuring transparent disciplinary processes.
Community Partnership: Deepening community policing efforts and encouraging citizens to actively collaborate with law enforcement.
He assured officers of improved welfare and dignified working conditions while urging them to demonstrate integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties.
Transition and Tenure
Egbetokun, who recently stepped down, expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to surpass his achievements, describing him as one of the officers he had mentored for leadership.
Born on April 13, 1966, Disu joined the Force in 1992 and rose to prominence as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, where the unit earned regional recognition for anti-crime operations.
He later headed the Intelligence Response Team and served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, before his elevation.
Although Disu is due for statutory retirement in April 2026 upon attaining 60 years of age, provisions in the amended Police Act allow an Inspector-General to serve a four-year term regardless of age, subject to confirmation by the appropriate authorities.
With his formal assumption of duty at the Force Headquarters, Disu now takes charge of Africa’s largest police organisation at a time of heightened expectations and complex security challenges nationwide
