Disu Takes Over as Acting IGP After Egbetokun’s Resignation
Tunji Disu was officially sworn in as the acting Inspector-General of Police on Wednesday, following a decoration ceremony by President Bola Tinubu earlier in the day. The handover took place at the State House, Abuja, where Disu, a career police officer, received his new rank amidst a growing wave of changes within the Nigeria Police Force.
This appointment came after Kayode Egbetokun, the outgoing Inspector-General, resigned on Tuesday, citing personal family issues that required his full attention. Egbetokun, who had served as the IGP since June 19, 2023, submitted his resignation letter directly to President Tinubu, leading to Disu’s swift appointment. The resignation sets the stage for significant structural changes within the police force, as Disu’s appointment will trigger the retirement of several senior officers.
Disu, who took his first salute at the Force Headquarters, was met with an official reception from the Quarter Guard and police officers. Afterward, Egbetokun and Disu proceeded to the official handover ceremony, marking the seamless transition of leadership. The handover process was carried out with notable presence, including key officials like the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The appointment of Disu comes at a time when Nigeria’s police leadership is undergoing significant reforms. Disu, who had been scheduled to retire on April 13, 2026, will now remain in office for a four-year term, in accordance with the amended Police Act of 2020. This extension provision, introduced by the amended Act, allows an IGP to serve for four years regardless of age. Disu, born on April 13, 1966, has already dedicated over three decades to law enforcement, having served in various senior capacities across Nigeria.
President Tinubu praised Egbetokun for his service to the nation, recognizing his contributions to policing and national security. The resignation of Egbetokun and the subsequent appointment of Disu reflect not only the president’s trust in Disu’s capabilities but also the continued effort to modernize and professionalize the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu, who officially took office on Wednesday at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, will face immediate challenges as he navigates the complexities of leadership at the apex of the police force. His appointment is expected to bring about several structural shifts within the police, particularly concerning senior positions. As tradition dictates, the retirement of Disu’s senior officers, including at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), is a likely outcome of the new leadership. Sources within the Police Service Commission suggest that the appointment could trigger the resignation of up to 20 senior officers.
Disu’s rise to the top of the Nigeria Police Force is rooted in a distinguished career. He joined the Force on May 18, 1992, and has since held various operational and leadership roles. A graduate of English Education from Lagos State University, Disu has earned multiple master’s degrees, including in Public Administration and Criminology. His experience spans several high-profile assignments, including his six-year tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State, where he rebranded the unit as “The Good Guys.”
His leadership of the RRS earned him recognition, including the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016 and the Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief title in 2019. His role in combating high-profile crimes as the head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) also solidified his reputation within the Force. Under his leadership, the IRT has been instrumental in investigating serious criminal activities, such as kidnapping, terrorism, and other high-profile criminal operations.
Disu’s leadership experience extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. He was the first Nigerian police officer to lead a contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan, where he served as acting Chief of Staff in Darfur. He is also a seasoned judoka, having won multiple national and international accolades, including a silver medal at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022.
Despite Disu’s prominence within the police force, his appointment has led to speculations about potential internal friction. Senior officers who have served longer than Disu are expected to retire, in keeping with tradition. The list includes high-ranking DIGs and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), which could result in a reshuffling of the leadership within the police.