President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, charged the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to lead the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with firmness, professionalism and fairness, as the country confronts mounting security challenges.
He also held a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the new police boss, who officially assumed office as the 23rd indigenous police top brass, with a promise to run a professional and courageous police that will factor the welfare of officers to enable them to discharge their duties with integrity.
He warned that the days of impunity were over.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has eulogised the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on his distinguished service to the police and the nation, following the acceptance of his resignation by President Tinubu.
At the decoration ceremony, the President said his decision to entrust Disu with the leadership of NPF was informed by his proven record of dedication and discipline.
“For you to assume this responsibility, I know your record. I believe in the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” Tinubu said. “You assume this office at a defining moment for our nation’s security. I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore public confidence in the police.”
The President urged the new police chief to demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains the Force’s top priority.
“It is a daunting challenge, but I know you can do it. You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda. You are straightforward, committed and respected,” he added.
Tinubu encouraged Disu to draw from the experience of Egbetokun, stressing that leadership continuity is essential.
“You have sufficient discipline and can draw from the experience of Egbetokun, who has been there before you. The commitment expected of you is to make it better than you met it,” he said.
DISU was announced as Acting IGP on Tuesday, following Egbetokun’s resignation, with an official statement from the Presidency confirming the new police chief’s immediate role in acting capacity.
He arrived at the State House about 2.55p.m., driven in a black official car. He was received by protocol officers and escorted through the forecourt into the President’s office complex, where the meeting was held.
The session is believed to be part of high-level consultations following Disu’s appointment, which came 48 days before his 60th birthday, when he will be due for retirement, as stipulated by police regulations. He was born on April 13, 1966.
While details of the discussions are not immediately disclosed, the engagement came as the administration intensified efforts to address security challenges, strengthen intelligence-led policing and deepen ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Egbetokun, who had served since 2023, was overdue for retirement.
The appointment takes immediate effect, subject to confirmation by the Senate in line with the Police Act 2020.
A meeting of the Nigeria Police Council is also expected to consider his nomination for substantive appointment.
The 59-year-old native of Lagos State was, until his elevation to Acting IGP, an Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as well as headed the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Disu is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
His elevation follows a 2024 amendment to the Police Act, which introduced a fixed four-year tenure for the IGP.
The acting IGP, during the official handing over ceremony at the Force Headquarters (FHQ) in Abuja, stressed that professionalism and modernisationwould move the service decisively into the modern era.
He assured that intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practice would define how the police under his leadership would work, not intimidation, not shortcuts, not the abuse of authority.
The police, he added, will invest in the people who do the work for optimal performance.
“This is a confidence I will neither squander nor take lightly. I am committed to nurturing and upholding it until it fully aligns with the expectations of His Excellency and the aspirations of Nigerians, ensuring the protection of the lives and property of every law-abiding citizen and all residents across the country.
“I am indeed humbled and greatly appreciative of the torrents of congratulatory messages I have received from within and outside Nigeria since the announcement of my appointment by President Tinubu.”
He called on his colleagues to first see him as a police officer before any other consideration, and the citizens to “hold us accountable when we fall short, and encourage us when we get it right.”
ABIODUN also congratulated Disu, expressing confidence in his ability to provide focused and result-oriented leadership at a critical time in the country’s security landscape.
In a statement, Abiodun described Egbetokun as a proud son of Ogun, whose decades of dedication, professionalism and commitment to strengthening internal security remain a source of pride to Ogun indigenes and Nigerians as a whole.
He commended the former IGP for his selfless service and wished him well as he attends to family responsibilities.
While congratulating Disu, the governor urged the new police chief to prioritise intelligence-driven policing, improved welfare for officers and men, enhanced community engagement and strengthened inter-agency collaboration to effectively combat crime and criminality across the country.
