President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police during a ceremony at the State House Council Chambers.
The swearing-in took place shortly before the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 24 following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, and was formally confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday.
During the ceremony, Disu took the oath of office before Vice President Kashim Shettima, cabinet members and other senior officials.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Disu Speaks on Security and State Police
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Disu addressed national security concerns, including potential protests linked to global tensions.
He said the police were monitoring various groups and sects within Nigeria and their possible external influences.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is on high alert, with increased patrols and operational measures to ensure officers act strictly within the law.
On the issue of state police, Disu said the concept is inevitable and should be seen as a cooperative security arrangement.
“It has come to stay. The police are not opposed but see it as a partnership opportunity. We will work with the federal structure to ensure security at all levels,” he said.
Human Rights and Internal Oversight
The new police chief also emphasised the importance of respecting human rights and strengthening internal accountability mechanisms within the force.
“Authority must be exercised with restraint. Every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and justice,” he said, adding that the Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad would operate independently to improve oversight.
Tinubu’s Charge
President Tinubu urged the new IGP to reform the police and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
“Make the police better than you met it,” the President said, calling for stronger discipline and improved inter-agency collaboration.
In response, Disu pledged a strict stance against corruption and misconduct.
“We will enforce zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses. Discipline and accountability will guide all operations. We will end impunity and ensure officers act within the law,” he said.
Career Background
Disu, 59, joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Before his elevation, he served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos.
He also served as Aide-de-Camp to Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
At Monday’s Police Council meeting, Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Disu’s performance as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos between 2015 and 2021.
Other governors who supported the appointment included Abdullahi Sule, Nyesom Wike, and Peter Mbah.
Disu’s confirmation came a week after his acting appointment, following Egbetokun’s resignation, which officially cited family reasons, although reports suggested internal disagreements within the police leadership may have contributed to the development.
