Tunji Disu Appointed as Acting IGP After Egbetokun’s Resignation

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.

The appointment, announced on Tuesday evening, takes immediate effect.

In a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the decision was taken in view of the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.

“In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect,” the statement read.

The President is expected to convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council in line with the Police Act 2020 to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP. His name will subsequently be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

Disu’s Policing Career

Until his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

He was promoted to the rank of AIG in 2025.
Over the course of his career, Disu has held several strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force. He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and later as Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. He has served as Divisional Police Officer in multiple locations, including Ago Iwoye in Ogun State, Ikare and Owo in Ondo State, and Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.

He also headed the Intelligence Response Team and was formerly in charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operations in Ondo, Oyo and Rivers states. In 2005, he led the first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan, serving as contingent commander in Darfur.

During the mission, he was appointed Acting Chief of Staff before returning to Nigeria in 2006.

From June 2015 to August 2021, Disu commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad, where he introduced the “The Good Guys” initiative aimed at promoting professionalism and respectful engagement between officers and the public.

He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

End of Egbetokun’s Tenure

Disu’s appointment brings to an end the tenure of Egbetokun, who was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, and confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council later that year.

The latter part of Egbetokun’s tenure was marked by public debate over his continued stay in office beyond the age of 60, the statutory retirement age under Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020. Civil society groups had criticised the move, arguing that it contravened established police service regulations.

However, the police authorities maintained that his tenure was not an extension but a completion of the four-year term stated in his letter of appointment.

In July 2024, the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Police Act to allow an Inspector-General of Police to remain in office for the duration stipulated in the letter of appointment.

The amendment followed a bill forwarded by President Tinubu and was approved by both chambers of the legislature.

With Disu now at the helm in an acting capacity, attention shifts to the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate for the next steps in confirming his appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police.