The Nigeria Police Force has entered a new phase of leadership with the formal assumption of office by Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
Disu officially took charge on Wednesday during a brief but symbolic handover ceremony at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, in Abuja.
The event followed his decoration by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, a day after his appointment was announced.
At 59, the Lagos-born officer steps into the nation’s top policing role with a pledge to reposition the Force around professionalism, accountability and modernisation.
Addressing senior officers, family members and invited guests, the new Acting IGP declared that his tenure would be anchored on clear principles.
He assured that professionalism would not merely be a slogan but a measurable standard, stressing that officers must demonstrate integrity, courage and compassion in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, leadership within the Force must be visible and accountable, setting an example worthy of emulation.
Disu said he would demand optimal performance from personnel across commands nationwide, while promising to prioritise their welfare.
He maintained that officers deserve adequate working conditions and institutional support to effectively combat crime and safeguard communities.
Though his appointment reportedly surprised some observers, Disu signalled that his focus would remain firmly on addressing security challenges rather than celebrations.
The transition followed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who cited pressing family considerations for his decision to step aside.
In his valedictory remarks, Egbetokun urged his successor to consolidate reforms initiated during his tenure.
He highlighted strides made in intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency cooperation and internal accountability mechanisms.
The former IGP also referenced improvements in officers’ welfare, including timely promotions, expanded housing initiatives and strengthened insurance coverage.
According to him, targeted operations under his leadership disrupted kidnapping syndicates and curtailed the activities of violent criminal networks.
He emphasised that public confidence in policing must be earned through transparency and demonstrable results rather than authority alone.
During the decoration ceremony earlier in the day, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s competence, recalling his performance during previous assignments in Lagos.
The President tasked the new police chief with confronting Nigeria’s pressing security concerns, including banditry, terrorism and organised crime.
He urged him to embrace innovation and strategic thinking in tackling evolving threats.
Tinubu assured the Acting IGP of full presidential backing, while reminding him that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of the Force.
Before his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Over a career spanning more than three decades since his enlistment in 1992, he has held several strategic positions.
He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and later in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also headed the Intelligence Response Team and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
As he settles into office, expectations are high that the new Acting IGP will sustain reform momentum while steering the Nigeria Police Force through a complex security landscape marked by insurgency, banditry and organised criminality.
