@ katsina times
Acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji “Tunji” Disu on Wednesday unveiled a reform agenda centred on modernisation, internal discipline and stronger community partnership, as he formally assumed leadership of the Nigeria Police Force amid heightened public expectations and national security pressures.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Disu’s appointment after accepting the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, with the Presidency noting that Disu’s “experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity” would provide direction for the Force during a “critical period.” Tinubu also said a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council would be convened to consider Disu’s substantive appointment before transmission to the Senate for confirmation, in line with the Police Act. Source Source
In an inaugural address following his emergence as the “23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police,” Disu struck a sober tone, repeatedly insisting it was “not yet time” for congratulations. He said the appointment placed “a heavy burden” on his shoulders and those of his colleagues, stressing that expectations were high and must not only be met but surpassed, particularly in protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and residents across the country.
The acting IGP acknowledged the groundwork laid by former Inspectors-General, thanking them for “passion, professionalism and dedication,” while telling officers and men across ranks that he remained “first and foremost a police officer” despite his new responsibilities. Drawing from frontline experience, Disu said he understood what it meant to stand a post in the rain, respond to distress calls and serve a public that can fluctuate between support and distrust—an awareness he said would shape his decisions in office.
While commending the Force’s “immense capacities” and the bravery and resilience of personnel, Disu also spoke candidly about institutional shortcomings, referencing a trust deficit between police and communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and a culture of misconduct that has “stained the badge” many officers wear with honour. He said confronting those realities was necessary to reposition the police as a people-oriented institution and “a very trusted friend.”
Disu said his tenure would rest on three pillars: professionalism and modernisation, accountability and integrity, and community partnership and public trust. He promised that intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practice would define operations, rejecting intimidation, shortcuts and abuse of authority. He also pledged investment in training and equipment, arguing that a well-prepared officer is the service’s most potent crime-fighting asset.
On discipline, he delivered his most direct warning: “the days of impunity are over.” Disu said disciplinary processes would apply across all ranks, including those closest to him, adding that the public could not be asked to trust a police service that does not first hold itself accountable.
Hours later, after Tinubu decorated him with his new rank at the State House, Disu reiterated the message in remarks to State House correspondents, vowing a “zero tolerance” regime for corruption and human rights abuses. He also said he would “drum it” into officers that the “citizen… is the boss,” and that policing cannot succeed without cooperation from the public. Source
At Force Headquarters on Wednesday, Disu took his first salute from a quarter guard and proceeded to the handover process, marking his formal assumption of duty as acting IGP.
He later had a short meeting with senior police officers.
