Tinubu appoints Tunji Disu acting IGP after Egbetokun’s resignation
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as acting inspector-general of police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
The announcement was made on Tuesday evening in a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, who said the appointment takes immediate effect.
“In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect,” the statement said.
It added that, in line with the Police Act 2020, the president will shortly convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP. His name will thereafter be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
Until his elevation, Disu served as assistant inspector-general in charge of the force criminal investigation department (FCID) annex, Alagbon, Lagos. He was promoted to the rank of AIG last year.
A career officer, Disu previously served as commissioner of police in Rivers state and was later redeployed to Abuja as commissioner of police for the federal capital territory. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and once headed the intelligence response team of the Nigeria Police Force.
Born on 13 April 1966 in Lagos Island, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on 18 May 1992. Over more than three decades, he has held a series of operational and command postings, including divisional police officer in Ago Iwoye, Ikare, Owo, Elimbu and Elelenwo.
He served as officer in charge of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping operations in Rivers state, and commanded SARS units in Ondo, Oyo and Rivers states. He also functioned as second-in-command of the state criminal investigations department in Rivers.
In 2005, Disu led the first Nigerian police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan as contingent commander. While deployed in Darfur, he was appointed acting chief of staff before returning to Nigeria in 2006.
Between June 2015 and August 2021, he commanded the Lagos state rapid response squad, where he introduced a reform initiative branding officers as “The Good Guys”, aimed at promoting professional conduct and respectful engagement with citizens.
His appointment brings to an end the tenure of Egbetokun, who was appointed the 22nd inspector-general of police on 19 June 2023. The Nigeria Police Council confirmed his substantive appointment on 31 October that year.
The latter part of Egbetokun’s time in office was overshadowed by controversy over his continued stay beyond the age of 60. Under section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, he was due to retire in September 2024 upon attaining the mandatory retirement age.
Critics, including civil society groups, argued that his extended tenure breached established service regulations and undermined institutional discipline. The police authorities, however, maintained that it was not an extension but a confirmation that he would complete the four-year term stipulated in his letter of appointment.
In July 2024, the national assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill to allow an appointed IGP to remain in office until the end of the tenure stated in the letter of appointment, following a request transmitted to both chambers by the president.