President Bola Tinubu is set to swear in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on Wednesday, following the Nigeria Police Council’s unanimous endorsement of his appointment on Monday.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the swearing-in will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for the same day.

The Police Council meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, was presided over by Tinubu and attended by Kashim Shettima, Vice President, state governors, and Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, in line with constitutional provisions.

Mr. Disu, who was previously appointed and decorated as the acting IGP by President Tinubu just last week on February 24th, succeeds Kayode Egbetokun as the nation’s 23rd police chief.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time, especially given the recent amendments to the police law.

Mr. Disu was appointed only 48 days before he was due to retire under the old rules.

However, the new Police Act, passed in July 2024, allows an Inspector General of Police to serve a single four-year term regardless of age or years in service.

The previous law mandated retirement at age 60 or after 35 years of service.

The leadership change comes after Kayode Egbetokun resigned, with President Tinubu accepting his letter citing “pressing family considerations.”

However, sources say his removal was due to several serious issues.

These reasons included his opposition to the creation of state police, delaying the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs as instructed by the president, and being blacklisted by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.

The IPI Nigeria had entered Mr. Egbetokun's name in its 'Book of Infamy' due to alleged attacks on press freedom and gross violations of human rights during his tenure.

According to PUNCH Nigeria, multiple sources told the newspaper that Egbetokun resisted a presidential directive to withdraw police officers from VIP protection duties as a key part of President Tinubu’s security reform agenda, and opposed state policing reforms, which helped prompt the decision to replace him.

President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation and acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.

The newly confirmed IGP, Tunji Disu, born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has held key roles including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the FCT, as well as Assistant Inspector-General of the Special Protection Unit and Force CID Annex, Lagos.

He holds qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos praised Disu for his outstanding work as RRS Commander, while Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended his professionalism and record of excellence in crime fighting across Rivers State, Lagos, and the FCT.

Mr. Disu, in his new role as IGP, pledged to end impunity, improve police welfare, and prioritize training for effective policing.

His confirmation at the Presidential Villa, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was attended by key officials including Vice President Kashim Shettima, top ministers, and several state governors and deputy governors.

The formal appointment marks a major leadership transition for the Nigerian Police Force amid rising security challenges.