President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday formally decorated Tunji Disu with his new rank as the acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja.
The ceremony, held at 4:00 pm, was attended by top officials including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Disu’s appointment follows the resignation of Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family matters. While his official retirement was scheduled for April 13, 2026, under the amended Police Act, Disu can now serve a full four-year tenure as IGP, potentially remaining in office until 2030.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu pinned Disu’s new insignia and praised Egbetokun for his years of service. The appointment is pending confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and subsequent Senate approval. Disu will formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, with a handover and parade of senior officers.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. A graduate of English Education from Lagos State University, he holds master’s degrees in Public Administration (Adekunle Ajasin University) and Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology (Lagos State University). He has undergone extensive professional training both locally and internationally, including courses in strategic leadership, forensic investigations, and internet fraud.
Disu gained national recognition as Commander of Lagos State’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), where he rebranded officers as “The Good Guys” and earned accolades such as Best Anti-Crime Squad in West Africa (2016) and Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief in West and Central Africa (2019). He also led the Intelligence Response Team, headed police operations in Rivers State and the FCT, and served as Principal Staff Officer to the former IGP, Egbetokun.
Beyond policing, Disu is a judoka, holding a third-dan black belt, with medals from the U.S. Open Judo Championship, National Sports Festival, and Nigerian Police Games. During the 2020 #EndSARS protests, he reportedly facilitated medical assistance to protesters through RRS ambulances, earning public commendation.
Disu’s appointment will also affect senior leadership within the force, with at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General expected to retire following the traditional practice of senior officers stepping aside. Estimates suggest 15–20 senior officers could be impacted, depending on individual decisions to resign or remain in service.