President Bola Tinubu has officially decorated Tunji Disu with the rank of acting Inspector-General of Police during a ceremony at the State House, Abuja.
The event, held at 4.00pm, was attended by high-ranking officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, SGF George Akume, and the outgoing IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Notably, Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his original retirement date of April 13, 2026, when he would have turned 60.
However, the amended Police Act grants the IGP a fixed four-year term regardless of age or years of service, potentially extending Disu’s leadership until 2030.
Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.
Persecondnews had reported that Egbetokun resigned as Inspector-General on Tuesday, citing personal family issues that require his “undivided attention.”
Tinubu accepted the resignation within 24 hours, with spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirming the President’s appreciation for Egbetokun’s tenure and the immediate appointment of Tunji Disu to the role.
Disu remains in an acting capacity until his confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council, in accordance with the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Disu’s appointment will see the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, in line with the tradition that senior officers vacate their positions when a junior colleague is appointed IGP.
Eight DIGs currently serving at Force Headquarters, including DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply), DIG Mohammed Gumel (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams (ICT), and former Force spokesman DIG Frank Mba, may be affected by the new appointment.
A source within the Police Service Commission said the new development could lead to the exit of between 15 and 20 senior officers who are Disu’s seniors.
“Going by recent practice, Disu’s seniors might have to submit their resignation letters. We might have those who may wish to stay behind and salute their juniors.
“The fact is that among the DIGs, we have people whose colleagues are still ACPs. Somebody like DIG Frank Mba, though those he joined the force with as cadets are still DCPs and the likes.
“Apart from the nine DIGs, the AIGs who are senior to him are not many. Between 15 and 20 may resign,” a source told The PUNCH.
The new IGP is expected to formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday in a ceremony that will include a formal handover and parade of senior officers.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served for over three decades across multiple operational and leadership roles.
A graduate of English Education from Lagos State University, Disu holds two master’s degrees, one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.
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