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The acclaimed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has stated that the time of unchecked actions within the Nigeria Police Force has ended, promising to implement a policy of strict intolerance towards corruption and violations of human rights.

Disu announced his statement on Wednesday, just after President Bola Tinubu conferred his new rank upon him at the State House in Abuja.

Addressing reporters from the State House following the event, the incoming police commissioner detailed his key focuses, highlighting that Nigerian citizens, rather than politicians, are the true leaders of the police force.

I will inform them (other police officers) that the time of getting away with it is finished.

I will make sure to train them and motivate them to adhere to human rights.

“I will make sure they are aware that I will strive to implement a policy of strict intolerance towards corruption,” Disu said.

He stated, “Above all, I intend to emphasize to them that our success is impossible without the support of the general public.”

The new IGP stated that one of his initial steps would involve addressing police officers nationwide to realign their focus on community-oriented policing.

One of the initial talks I’ll have with my team, I’ll address them and make sure they understand that the citizen of the nation is in charge.

“It is extremely crucial for them to understand that no law enforcement agency anywhere across the globe can achieve success without the support of the general public,” he stated.

Disu shared that the appointment was an emotional surprise, especially when President Tinubu outlined his professional accomplishments during the ceremony.

“The President talked about numerous activities related to me, highlighted the areas I have worked in, and mentioned the achievements I have made as a police officer, which moved me deeply and almost brought me to tears,” he said.

The new IGP stated that Tinubu’s thorough understanding of his career highlighted the President’s active involvement in overseeing officials throughout the nation.

“It demonstrates that the President spent time overseeing officers across the country, and it also indicates that the President issued a challenge to me to go out there and do what I am recognized for, ensuring that I bring peace, acknowledgment, and tranquility to the nation,” Disu said.

Regarding officer well-being, he committed to focusing on motivation as a crucial factor for better performance.

“I will make sure to consider their well-being, as individuals who are driven give their best,” he stated.

Tackling Nigeria’s security issues, such as banditry and insurgency, Disu showed belief in police officers across the country.

I am aware that all the police officers in the area have been giving their utmost effort. They are dedicated individuals.

“All I have to do is tap into their spirit and ideas to improve anything,” he said.

As the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony, conveyed his belief in his successor’s capability to guide the Force.

Egbetokun characterized Disu as an individual with whom he has “a special past,” highlighting that both men gained from President Tinubu’s guidance since his time as Governor of Lagos State.

“I supported potential candidates within the Nigerian Police Force, and I am pleased that one of them has been deemed most appropriate for the role,” Egbetokun said.

He encouraged Disu to carry on the reforms started while he was in office, such as intelligence-driven operations, cooperation between agencies, and breaking up criminal organizations.

He has been a member of my administration since the start. He served as my Principal Staff Officer and was the Commissioner of Police in Rivers and FCT.

He was AIG overseeing my Special Protection Unit when the President instructed the police to withdraw from VIP protection.

“It was Disu that I contacted to make sure the presidential directive was fully followed, and he did it exceptionally well,” Egbetokun stated.

The departing IGP stated, “I have great faith that he will exceed my accomplishments.”

The ceremony of decoration, held at 4:00 pm in the President’s office, was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, along with other high-ranking government officials.

President Tinubu personally affixed the new emblem to Disu’s uniform and praised Egbetokun for his contributions to the country.

The event took place just 24 hours after Egbetokun handed in his resignation letter on Tuesday, stating that family matters demand his full focus.

Nevertheless, several officials from the Presidency informed our reporter that Egbetokun was requested to resign during a meeting with the President on Monday night at the Presidential Villa.

“He was requested to leave during that meeting,” said an influential official, requesting anonymity.

Our reporter noticed Egbetokun’s official car, a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the license plate NPF-01, parked at the entrance of the Presidential Villa approximately 6:40 pm on Monday, the same time when governors were arriving for an interfaith meal with the President.

Disu’s appointment occurred only 48 days prior to his planned retirement on April 13, 2026, at which point he would have turned 60 years old.

Nevertheless, according to the revised Police Act, which permits Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year term irrespective of their age, Disu could stay in position until 2030.

As stated by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “In line with the requirements of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu is set to hold a session of the Nigeria Police Council soon to officially review the appointment of AIG Disu as the permanent Inspector-General of Police, following which his name will be sent to the Senate for approval.”

The appointment of Disu will result in the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, following the tradition that senior officers step down when a younger colleague is promoted to IGP.

Eight DIGs currently stationed at Force Headquarters, including DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply), DIG Mohammed Gumel (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams (ICT), and former Force spokesperson DIG Frank Mba, could be impacted by the recent appointment.

A member of the Police Service Commission stated that the recent change might result in the departure of 15 to 20 senior officers who are senior to Disu.

“Based on recent trends, Disu’s senior officers may need to submit their resignation letters. In addition to the nine DIGs, there are very few AIGs above him. Between 15 and 20 could resign,” a source said to our reporter.

The new IGP is set to officially take up his position at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, during an event that will feature a formal transfer of responsibilities and a march of senior officers.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu entered the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has worked for more than thirty years in various operational and leadership positions.

He gained national recognition as the leader of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, where he worked for six years and transformed the RRS officers into “The Good Guys.”

Under his direction, the team received the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.

On August 2, 2021, he was assigned to lead the Intelligence Response Team, taking over from the suspended Abba Kyari.

Disu has worked as the Police Commissioner in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Prior to becoming IGP, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

Egbetokun, who took the position of IGP on June 19, 2023, and was officially confirmed on October 31, 2023, remained in office for about two years and eight months.

His time in office was characterized by disputes regarding the management of demonstrations, accusations of bias during electoral processes, and scrutiny of the country’s worsening security conditions.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).