President on Wednesday formally decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji (Tunji) Disu, with the insignia of his new rank as Acting Inspector-General of Police during a ceremony at the State House, Abuja.
The event, held at about 4:00 p.m. in the President’s office, was attended by top government officials, including National Security Adviser , Chief of Staff to the President , Secretary to the Government of the Federation , and the immediate past IGP, .
Tinubu personally affixed the new rank on Disu’s uniform, praising Egbetokun for his service to the country and expressing confidence in Disu’s operational capacity, experience, and leadership qualities to steer the Nigeria Police Force through prevailing security challenges.
Disu arrived at the Presidential Villa shortly after 3:00 p.m., marking his first official assignment since his appointment was announced on Tuesday, February 24.
His elevation follows the resignation of Egbetokun, which was submitted and immediately accepted by the President. The Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, attributed the resignation to pressing family matters demanding Egbetokun’s full attention, slightly over two years into his four-year tenure under the amended Police Act.
However, sources within the Presidency indicated that Egbetokun was asked to step aside during a private meeting with Tinubu at the Villa on Monday evening. His official vehicle, bearing plate number NPF-01, was reportedly seen at the forecourt around 6:40 p.m. that day as governors arrived for an interfaith gathering.
Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his mandatory retirement date of April 13, 2026, when he turns 60. Nevertheless, provisions of the amended Police Act allow an Inspector-General of Police to serve a full four-year term irrespective of age, potentially enabling Disu, born April 13, 1966, in Lagos, to remain in office until 2030 if confirmed substantively.
Enlisted into the force in 1992, Disu brings over three decades of policing experience. He has previously served as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, and head of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.
Reacting to the development, described Disu’s appointment as well deserved, citing his professionalism, discipline, and track record of effective service.
Disu will serve in an acting capacity pending consideration by the Nigeria Police Council. Following that process, the President is expected to forward his nomination to the Senate for confirmation as substantive Inspector-General of Police, in accordance with the Police Act 2020.
