- President Tinubu pinned the new insignia on Disu and praised Egbetokun for his service
- Disu will continue in an acting capacity until the Nigeria Police Council formally approves his appointment
- He has undergone extensive professional training locally and internationally, including courses in small arms smuggling
President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed Tunji Disu as the acting Inspector-General of Police during a ceremony at the State House, Abuja.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the event, held at 4:00 pm, was attended by key officials including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and outgoing IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
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Disu’s elevation comes just 48 days before he was due to retire on April 13, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, the amended Police Act allows an IGP to serve a four-year term irrespective of age, meaning Disu could remain in office until 2030.
President Tinubu pinned the new insignia on Disu and praised Egbetokun for his service. The appointment followed Egbetokun’s resignation, officially attributed to family reasons, though sources indicate he was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday at the Presidential Villa.
Disu will continue in an acting capacity until the Nigeria Police Council formally approves his appointment, after which the Senate will confirm him, as outlined by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The appointment is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, including up to nine Deputy Inspectors-General, in line with tradition when a junior officer is elevated. Sources suggest that between 15 and 20 senior officers could step down due to the new leadership structure.
Disu will formally assume duties at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, during a ceremony that will feature a handover and parade of senior officers.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, 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 and in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology.
He has undergone extensive professional training locally and internationally, including courses in small arms smuggling, internet fraud, forensic investigation, and strategic leadership.
Disu rose to prominence as Commander of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad, rebranding the unit as “The Good Guys” and earning recognition as the Best Anti-Crime Squad in West Africa. He later headed the Intelligence Response Team, overseeing high-profile criminal investigations nationwide.
His experience also includes service as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and Abuja, and as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Internationally, Disu led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan in 2005.
Beyond policing, he is a judoka with a third-dan black belt, having won medals at the U.S. Open Judo Championship and national sports competitions.
Disu has also been recognized for his humanitarian approach, notably during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where he reportedly made medical support available to protesters.
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
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