Tunji Disu Takes Charge as Acting Inspector-General of Police

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, formally assumed duty on Wednesday following his decoration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Disu’s assumption of office came hours after the ceremonial decoration, signalling the official transfer of leadership within the Nigeria Police Force and marking the beginning of his tenure as the nation’s top law enforcement officer.

His appointment followed the resignation of former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down on Tuesday after serving in the role since June 19, 2023. Egbetokun cited family considerations as the reason for his decision to relinquish the position, creating the leadership vacuum that led to Disu’s elevation.

Upon returning from the Presidential Villa at approximately 4:25 p.m., Disu arrived at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by senior police officers and personnel. In keeping with police tradition, he took his first official salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard, a symbolic ceremony that formally acknowledges the authority of a new police chief.

The brief but significant event attracted the presence of top-ranking officers, who lined up alongside the guard formation as Disu inspected the parade and exchanged courtesies with members of the force.

His emergence as acting IGP is expected to usher in a new phase of policing leadership, with attention likely to focus on operational reforms, internal discipline, and strategies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Observers within security circles note that the transition comes at a critical time for the police institution, as the force continues to confront issues ranging from public trust and personnel welfare to the need for improved intelligence-led policing and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.

While no detailed policy direction has yet been formally outlined by the new acting IGP, expectations remain high among officers and the public regarding his approach to crime control, institutional reforms, and morale within the force.

Further briefings and strategic engagements are anticipated in the coming days as Disu settles into office and begins consultations with senior commanders and operational units nationwide.