President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday formally decorated newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, with his new rank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The ceremony, which also marked Disu’s swearing-in, was attended by senior government officials and family members. With the event, Disu assumed office as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
Addressing the new police chief, the President charged him to restore discipline within the Force, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and rebuild public trust amid rising security challenges across the country.
Speaking at the State House Council Chamber shortly after the oath of office was administered, Tinubu said Disu’s appointment came at a critical period in Nigeria’s security landscape, citing threats posed by banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.
The President expressed confidence in Disu’s capacity to deliver, recalling his performance during his service in Lagos when Tinubu was governor. He urged the new IGP to lead “firmly but fairly,” prioritise professionalism and ensure the protection of lives and property remains paramount.
Tinubu assured Disu of his full support in advancing the security component of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda. He described him as disciplined, straightforward and committed, advising him to build on the achievements of his predecessor.
The President also commended the outgoing Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, for his service and dedication to the Force, wishing him well in his future endeavours. He noted that leadership success is measured in part by the quality of succession, encouraging him to support his successor’s efforts.
In his remarks to State House correspondents, Disu expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as both an honour and a challenge.
He said the commendation of his past service by the President was deeply moving and served as a call to redouble his efforts in tackling insecurity and restoring calm nationwide.
Outlining his priorities, the Acting IGP stressed that citizens must be regarded as partners in policing. According to him, effective law enforcement cannot succeed without public cooperation.
He vowed to end impunity within the Force, strengthen human rights compliance and enforce a regime of zero tolerance for corruption. He also pledged to boost officers’ morale and improve operational strategies to address banditry and insurgency.
Egbetokun, while handing over, expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership abilities, noting their long professional association and shared mentorship experience under Tinubu dating back to his tenure as Lagos governor.
He highlighted Disu’s previous roles within the Force, including key operational and command positions, and urged him to sustain ongoing reforms, particularly in intelligence coordination and inter-agency collaboration.
The former IGP said he was optimistic that his successor would surpass his achievements and further strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to combat crime.
