President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Olatunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), marking the formal commencement of his leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The decoration ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, shortly after Disu arrived for the event, a day after his appointment as the nation’s top police officer.
Disu’s elevation followed the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whose exit from office was confirmed by the Presidency last ,Tuesday. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu accepted Egbetokun’s resignation after he cited pressing family reasons in a formal letter.
Assumption of Office, Reform Pledge
Following his decoration, Disu formally assumed office as Acting IGP during a handover ceremony, where he unveiled an ambitious reform agenda aimed at restoring public confidence in the police.
He declared that his leadership would be anchored on three pillars: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership and public trust.
Acknowledging the challenges confronting the force, Disu spoke candidly about what he described as “uncomfortable truths,” including a trust deficit between the police and communities, outdated operational systems, resource gaps, and incidents of misconduct.
“These are truths we must face with resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.
Intelligence-Led Policing, Zero Tolerance for Impunity
On operational reforms, the Acting IGP said the police would prioritise intelligence-led policing, forensic investigations, and the deployment of digital tools to enhance effectiveness.
“Modern policing—not intimidation or abuse of authority—will define our operations,” he stressed.
On accountability, Disu warned that impunity would no longer be tolerated within the ranks.
“The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes,” he said, adding that oversight mechanisms would be strengthened and procedures made more transparent.
He further described community policing as a philosophy rather than a programme, pledging deeper engagement with citizens through town halls, markets, schools, and neighbourhood interactions.
Addressing police officers nationwide, Disu promised to improve welfare and working conditions, while demanding integrity, compassion, and courage in the discharge of duties.
To Nigerians, he appealed for cooperation with law enforcement, urging citizens to report crimes, engage with local officers, and hold the police accountable.
“We are not your adversaries. We are your neighbours in uniform, and your safety is the only measure of our success,” he said.
Career Profile
Until his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. He was promoted to the rank of AIG last year.
He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and later as Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a former head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, a position once held by Abba Kyari.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu enlisted in the police on May 18, 1992. His career spans several commands, including postings as Divisional Police Officer in Ago Iwoye (Ogun State), Ikare and Owo (Ondo State), and Elimbu and Elelenwo (Rivers State).
Appreciation and Commitment
Disu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as “a heavy responsibility rather than a moment for celebration.” He also acknowledged the contributions of past Inspectors-General, pledging to build on their legacies.
“The road ahead is not smooth. There will be resistance and hard choices, but my commitment to transforming this Service into one every citizen can trust will not waver,” he said.
With his assumption of office, the Acting IGP signalled what he described as a decisive effort to reposition the police as a modern, accountable, and community-focused institution.
