President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially decorated Olatunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police at a ceremony held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event, which took place at the President’s office around 4pm, was attended by top government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the outgoing IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Appointment amid leadership transition
Disu’s elevation comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he turns 60. However, under provisions of the amended Police Act, an Inspector-General of Police can serve a fixed four-year tenure, potentially allowing him to remain in office until 2030.
President Tinubu, while decorating the new police chief, commended Egbetokun for his service, following his resignation earlier this week. According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the former IGP stepped down due to personal reasons requiring his full attention.
Disu will serve in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for approval.
Implications for police leadership
His appointment is expected to trigger a significant shake-up within the Nigeria Police Force hierarchy. Senior officers, particularly Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) who are his seniors, may be required to retire in line with established tradition.
Sources indicate that between 15 and 20 senior officers, including several DIGs at Force Headquarters, could be affected by the transition.
Profile of the new Acting IGP
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has built a career spanning over three decades across intelligence, operations, and command roles.
He gained national recognition as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he rebranded the unit as “The Good Guys” and led it to win the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
Disu later headed the Intelligence Response Team, one of the police’s most critical investigative units, and served as Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Before his appointment, he was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.
Next steps
The new Acting IGP is expected to formally assume office at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where a handover ceremony and parade of senior officers will take place.
His appointment marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s policing leadership, with expectations high for reforms, improved security operations, and institutional stability within the force.
