Tunji Disu on Wednesday formally assumed office as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), pledging to reposition the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on the pillars of professionalism, modernization and accountability.
The 59-year-old police chief took over at a brief but significant handover ceremony at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, shortly after being decorated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Disu’s appointment, announced a day earlier by the President, followed the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family reasons.
Addressing senior officers, family members and other dignitaries at the ceremony, the new police boss made clear his vision for a reinvigorated Force anchored on integrity and service excellence.
“My tenure will be built on three clear commitments: professionalism, modernism and accountability,” Disu declared.
He charged officers and men of the Force to uphold the highest standards in the discharge of their duties, stressing that Nigerians deserve nothing but their best.
“To all officers, I will demand the best from you because the people we serve deserve nothing less. Integrity, compassion and courage are not optional qualities; they are the job,” he said.
In return, Disu assured personnel of his commitment to their welfare and operational effectiveness.
“I will fight for your welfare, your dignity and the conditions you need to serve effectively. You will not be asked to perform miracles with nothing. Leadership in this service from this day forward must be visible, accountable and worthy of being followed,” he added.
Underscoring the urgency of his new mandate, the Acting IGP noted that the ceremony marked the beginning of serious work rather than celebration.
“This is not the end of a ceremony. This is the beginning of the work,” he stated, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
Earlier, President Tinubu had expressed strong confidence in Disu’s competence and capacity to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges, recalling his record of service in Lagos State.
“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,” the President said.
He urged the new police chief to lead with firmness and fairness, uphold professionalism at every level, and prioritise the protection of lives and property.
“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them. You have my full support,” Tinubu assured.
In his remarks, outgoing IGP Kayode Egbetokun called on his successor to consolidate on the reforms and milestones achieved during his tenure, including strengthened inter-agency collaboration, enhanced accountability mechanisms and targeted operations against criminal networks.
“As I hand over to my successor—one chosen among the best—I do so with confidence in his competence, experience and strategic capacity. The foundation has been reinforced and the reform trajectory clearly defined,” Egbetokun said.
He urged Disu to deepen intelligence integration and institutionalise community-centred policing as a core operational doctrine, stressing that progress must not stall but accelerate.
Egbetokun also highlighted efforts made under his leadership to prioritise officer welfare through timely promotions, improved insurance frameworks, expanded housing initiatives and sustained capacity development.
“Public trust cannot be commanded by authority; it must be earned through integrity, transparency and measurable results,” he noted.
Until his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. He was promoted to the rank of AIG last year.
A seasoned officer, Disu previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and later in the Federal Capital Territory. He also headed the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. Over the years, he has served as Divisional Police Officer in Ago Iwoye (Ogun State), Ikare and Owo (Ondo State), as well as Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
With his assumption of office, expectations are high that the new Acting IGP will steer the Force toward greater operational efficiency, enhanced public trust and decisive responses to the nation’s evolving security threats.
