Tunji Disu Assumes Office as 23rd Indigenous IGP, Vows to End Corruption, Impunity
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, has formally assumed duty as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP), pledging to enforce zero tolerance for corruption, human rights abuses and impunity within the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu took over from Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (Rtd), who served as the 22nd indigenous IGP from June 19, 2023, to February 24, 2026.
The new police chief was decorated with his new rank by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
‘Era of Impunity Is Over’
Speaking shortly after his decoration, Disu declared that the Nigeria Police Force would under his leadership operate a regime of accountability and professionalism.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” he said.
He stressed that policing must be citizen-centred, noting that the Nigerian people—not political actors—remain the ultimate authority.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men is to let them know that the citizen is the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated.
He added that fostering public trust and collaboration would be central to his reform agenda.
Commitment to Welfare and Security Reforms
The acting IGP also pledged to prioritise the welfare and motivation of officers, describing morale as critical to improved performance.
“I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration, because people who are motivated put in their best,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, including banditry and insurgency, Disu expressed confidence in the capacity of officers nationwide, promising to channel their efforts more effectively.
His predecessor, Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony, expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to surpass previous achievements. He described Disu as a seasoned officer who had served in key roles, including as Principal Staff Officer, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Unit.
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“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job,” Egbetokun said.
Career Profile and Experience
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992.
He holds multiple academic qualifications, including an MSc in Entrepreneurship from the National Open University of Nigeria (2023), an MSc in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University (2022), an Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence from the University of Lagos (2019), an MSc in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University (2010), a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lagos State University (2000), and a Bachelor’s degree in English (Education) from Lagos State University (1990).
Disu rose to national prominence as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State, where he served for six years and rebranded the unit as “The Good Guys.” Under his leadership, the squad won the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
On August 2, 2021, he was appointed to head the Intelligence Response Team, replacing suspended officer Abba Kyari. He later served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the FCT before becoming Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Tenure and Implications
Disu’s appointment came just weeks before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, under the amended Police Act 2020, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a single four-year term irrespective of age, he may remain in office until 2030, subject to confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate.
His emergence is also expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, in line with established tradition within the Force when a junior officer is appointed IGP.
The immediate past IGP, Egbetokun, submitted his resignation letter on February 24, 2026. His tenure, which lasted approximately two years and eight months, was marked by reforms in intelligence-led operations and inter-agency coordination, alongside criticisms over protest management and security concerns.
As Disu formally assumes office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, stakeholders say expectations are high that his leadership will usher in renewed professionalism, strengthened public trust, and decisive action against corruption and criminality within and outside the Force.
By PRNigeria
