Tinubu Elevates Disu as Acting IGP, Signals Fresh Command Era in Police Leadership

|By Adejumo Adekunle

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday formally installed Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, decorating him with his new rank at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The high-level ceremony, held inside the President’s office at the State House around 4 p.m., marked a decisive shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

In attendance were key figures in the administration, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Appointment Comes Weeks Before Retirement

Disu’s elevation arrives just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026 — the date he clocks the mandatory retirement age of 60.

However, under the amended Police Act, which guarantees a four-year tenure for an Inspector-General of Police regardless of age, Disu could legally remain in office until 2030.

Egbetokun Steps Aside

The ceremony followed Egbetokun’s resignation letter submitted to the President a day earlier, in which he cited pressing family matters requiring his full attention.

While pinning the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, President Tinubu applauded Egbetokun’s service to the nation, describing his tenure as one marked by commitment and duty.

With Disu now at the helm — even in acting capacity — attention shifts to how he will steer the force amid Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.