Tinubu decorates Tunji Disu Acting IGP

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olatunji (Tunji) Disu with the insignia of his new rank as acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at the State House, Abuja.

The brief but significant ceremony took place around 4:00 p.m. in the President’s office, attended by key figures including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

Tinubu pinned the new rank on Disu’s uniform and commended Egbetokun for his dedicated service to the nation, while expressing confidence in Disu’s “operational depth, experience, and demonstrated leadership” to guide the force amid ongoing security challenges.

Disu had arrived at the Presidential Villa shortly after 3:00 p.m., marking his first official engagement in the acting role following his appointment announcement on Tuesday, February 24.

The decoration follows Egbetokun’s resignation, submitted on Tuesday and accepted immediately by the President.

The Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, cited “pressing family considerations requiring his undivided attention” as the reason for Egbetokun’s exit, just over two years into what was intended as a four-year term under the amended Police Act.

However, multiple credible sources within the Presidency told journalists that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a private meeting with Tinubu on Monday evening at the Villa.

Egbetokun’s official vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser with plate NPF-01) was spotted at the forecourt around 6:40 p.m. that day, coinciding with governors’ arrival for an interfaith event.

Disu’s elevation comes just 48 days before his scheduled mandatory retirement on April 13, 2026, upon turning 60.

The amended Police Act, however, permits an IGP to serve a full four-year term irrespective of age, potentially allowing Disu, born April 13, 1966, in Lagos, to remain until 2030 if confirmed substantively.

A 1992 police enlistee with over three decades of service, Disu previously served as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Commissioner of Police in the FCT, and head of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the appointment as “well-deserved,” highlighting Disu’s professionalism, discipline, and proven results.

Disu serves in an acting capacity pending formal consideration by the Nigeria Police Council, after which President Tinubu will transmit his name to the Senate for confirmation as substantive IGP, in line with the Police Act 2020.