BREAKING: Tinubu decorates Tunji Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olatunji “Tunji” Disu with the insignia of his new rank as acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The brief but significant ceremony, which began around 4:00 p.m., was attended by key figures, including 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 IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

President Tinubu pinned the new rank on Disu’s uniform and commended Egbetokun for his dedicated service to the nation. He expressed confidence in Disu’s “operational depth, experience, and demonstrated leadership” to guide the Nigeria Police Force amid ongoing security challenges.

Disu arrived at the Presidential Villa shortly after 3:00 p.m., marking his first official engagement in his acting capacity following his appointment announcement on Tuesday, February 24.

The decoration followed the resignation of Egbetokun, submitted on Tuesday and immediately accepted by the President. According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the former police chief cited “pressing family considerations requiring his undivided attention” as reason for stepping down just over two years into what was intended to be a four-year term under the amended Police Act.

Multiple credible sources within the Presidency, however, revealed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a private meeting with the President on Monday evening. Egbetokun’s official vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser, plate NPF-01) was later spotted at the Villa forecourt around 6:40 p.m., coinciding with governors’ arrival for an interfaith event.

Disu’s appointment comes 48 days before his mandatory retirement on April 13, 2026, upon reaching the age of 60. The amended Police Act allows an IGP to serve a full four-year term regardless of age, meaning Disu, born April 13, 1966, could remain in office until 2030 if confirmed substantively.

A 1992 police enlistee with over three decades of service, Disu has previously served as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, Commissioner of Police in the FCT, and Head of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Disu’s appointment as “well-deserved,” citing his professionalism, discipline, and proven track record in law enforcement.

Disu will serve in an acting capacity pending formal consideration by the Nigeria Police Council, after which President Tinubu will transmit his name to the Senate for confirmation as substantive IGP, in accordance with the Police Act 2020.