Newly decorated Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has declared that the era of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force is over, pledging a strict regime of zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.
Disu made the declaration on Wednesday shortly after being decorated with his new rank by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, the new police chief stressed that Nigerian citizens — not politicians — are the true bosses of the police.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over,” Disu said.
“I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights.
I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
He added that public cooperation would be central to effective policing.
“Most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
Citizen-Centred Policing
Disu said one of his first actions would be to address officers nationwide to reorient them toward citizen-centred policing.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them and let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss.
No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
The new IGP described his appointment as an emotional moment, particularly as President Tinubu highlighted his career achievements during the decoration.
“The President mentioning areas I’ve worked and successes I’ve recorded almost brought me to tears,” Disu said, adding that it reflected Tinubu’s hands-on approach to monitoring officers nationwide.
Welfare, Security, and Reform
Disu pledged to prioritise officer welfare, describing motivation as essential to improved performance.
“People who are motivated put in their best.”
On Nigeria’s security challenges, including banditry and insurgency, he expressed confidence in officers across the country, saying his task would be to better channel their morale and efforts.
Egbetokun Backs Successor
The immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony, expressed strong confidence in Disu’s leadership.
Egbetokun said both men share a long professional history shaped by President Tinubu’s mentorship dating back to his time as Lagos State governor.
“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those has been found most suitable for the job,” he said.
He urged Disu to sustain ongoing reforms, including intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and dismantling criminal syndicates.
“I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done.”
Appointment, Retirement, and Senate Confirmation
The ceremony, held at the President’s office at about 4:00 pm, was attended by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and other senior officials. President Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu and commended Egbetokun for his service.
Egbetokun resigned barely 24 hours earlier, citing family issues, though Presidency sources said he was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday evening.
Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026. However, under the amended Police Act, which allows IGPs to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, he may remain in office until 2030.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will soon convene the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment before forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation.
Implications for Senior Officers
Disu’s emergence is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, in line with tradition when a junior officer is appointed IGP. Police sources estimate that between 15 and 20 senior officers, including at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General, may exit the Force.
Career Profile
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu joined the police in 1992 and has served for over three decades. He rose to prominence as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, rebranding the unit as “The Good Guys” and winning the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
He later headed the Intelligence Response Team in 2021, replacing suspended Abba Kyari, and has served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. Before his elevation, he was Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Disu is expected to formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, following a handover ceremony and parade of senior officers.
