\n\n• Assures him of full support to succeed
•Charges him to restore peace, strengthen security nationwide
• Police council meets next week to ratify appointment
• President pays tribute to ex-police boss Egbetokun for his efforts
•Disu assures police will move against insecurity, as Abiodun, Adeleke con-gratulates him
Deji Elumoye, Linus Aleke in Abuja & Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
President Bola Tinubu has named Olatunji Disu as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police, citing his impressive track record and dedication to duty as the basis for the appointment.
Speaking during Disu’s decoration at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, Tinubu charged the new police chief to lead with fairness and firmness, restore peace, and strengthen security across the nation.
“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” Tinubu told Disu.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word; you have my full support.”
Disu’s appointment, which follows the retirement of Kayode Egbetokun, is subject to ratification by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate. The police council is scheduled to meet next week.
A Call to Rebuild Public Confidence
The president described Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment and urged him to rebuild public confidence in the police’s capacity to collaborate effectively with other security forces.
Tinubu also directed the new IGP to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in Disu’s discipline, operational experience, and leadership capacity.
“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” Tinubu said, reaffirming his belief that Nigeria would prevail under committed leadership.
Tribute to Outgoing IGP Egbetokun
The president paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony with his spouse.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” Tinubu said.
He urged Egbetokun to remain available to offer useful advice to his successor and wished him and his family peace, good health, and success in future endeavours.
“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy,” Tinubu stated.
Dignitaries at the Event
Present at the decoration were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; AIG Hakeem Odumosu (rtd); senior government officials; and family members of the acting IGP.
Disu: Public Cooperation is Key
Speaking with newsmen after his decoration, Disu pledged to galvanise the morale and focus of police officers to confront the dual threats of banditry and insurgency.
He underscored the importance of public cooperation, stating that effective policing is impossible without the support of citizens.
“I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu said.
“I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hardworking people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts, to make anything better.”
Zero Tolerance for Corruption, Impunity
Disu emphasised that he would reorient officers to the reality that the era of impunity is over, stressing that professionalism and respect for human rights would be strictly enforced.
“My top priority, like one of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizens of the country are the boss,” he said.
“It’s very important for them to know that no police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
He pledged to prioritise continuous training and capacity-building to ensure adherence to the rule of law and global best practices.
The acting IG also affirmed a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning that misconduct and abuse of power would attract firm sanctions.
Gratitude to the President
Disu expressed gratitude to the president for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a profound honour.
“The appointment means a lot to me because I have the love of my profession, the love of the country, and it came at a time I was not expecting it,” he said.
“The president mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears.
“It shows the president took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the president was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace to the country.”
Disu also pledged to prioritise the welfare of officers, stating that a well-supported and motivated workforce is essential for effective policing.
Egbetokun’s Advice to Successor
In his farewell remarks, Egbetokun advised Disu to sustain ongoing reforms, including the restructuring of intelligence coordination, strengthening inter-agency deployment models, dismantling criminal syndicates, and improving intelligence response mechanisms nationwide.
“My advice to the newly appointed acting Inspector-General Police is that he should continue to show commitment to the things that we have been doing together,” Egbetokun said.
“He has been part of my administration from the beginning; he was my PSO, he was CP in Rivers, in FCT, he was the AIG in charge of SPU.”
The former IGP expressed confidence that Disu would consolidate the gains recorded and deliver even stronger results.
“I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun added.
Governors Abiodun, Adeleke Congratulate New IGP
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, congratulated Egbetokun on his distinguished service and Disu on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to provide focused leadership at a critical time.
Abiodun urged the new police chief to prioritise intelligence-driven policing, improved welfare for officers, enhanced community engagement, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also hailed Disu’s appointment as a “masterstroke,” noting his deep knowledge of most parts of Nigeria, having served in all six geopolitical zones.
“Mr Disu is widely believed to be strict with the law and testimonies of Nigerians about him so far showed that he will make a good police chief, winning back the trust of Nigerians for the force,” Adeleke stated.
He tasked Disu to uphold professionalism and insulate the force from political influence and partisanship to restore public confidence in the police’s ability to discharge its constitutional role.
