President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), with immediate effect. This significant leadership change follows the resignation of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who had served as IGP since June 2023. While official statements from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga indicated Egbetokun resigned due to “pressing family considerations” and that President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for his service, other reports from SaharaReporters suggest a forced removal due to alleged incompetence, numerous scandals, and health issues, including kidney-related medical problems. Egbetokun was reportedly told to prepare his handover notes after a meeting at the Presidential Villa.

Egbetokun's tenure, which was initially scheduled to conclude in June 2027 according to the amended Police Act provisions, was fraught with controversies. Critics and civil society groups, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), argued that his prolonged stay in office, extending beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service, violated police service rules. This reportedly damaged the morale of junior officers and deepened public distrust. His administration faced accusations of favoritism and nepotism, notably concerning the rapid and questionable promotions of Bukola Yemisi Kuti, a Principal Staff Officer who was allegedly personally linked to Egbetokun. Furthermore, a substantial sum of ₦100 million from Anambra State’s security vote was reportedly traced to his son, Victor Egbetokun, raising concerns about the diversion of state funds. Instead of independent investigations, police authorities under Egbetokun pursued legal actions against journalists and activists, including Omoyele Sowore and SaharaReporters, for their reporting on these allegations, which critics viewed as attempts to silence dissent and undermine press freedom. Some police officers reportedly celebrated the news of his removal, and the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, reportedly fought for him to remain in office despite the scandals.

The newly appointed Acting IGP, Tunji Disu, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lagos State University and Master's degrees in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, as well as in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology. His extensive professional training includes courses in Small Arms Smuggling (Botswana), Internet Fraud (Cambridge University, UK), Strategic Leadership Command, and Forensic Investigations and Criminal Intelligence. President Tinubu expressed confidence that Disu’s “experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction” for the Force. In compliance with the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to consider Disu's appointment as substantive IGP, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Throughout his career, Disu has held several high-profile operational and administrative positions. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State. His distinguished service record includes leading the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) (appointed August 2021 following the suspension of DCP Abba Kyari), commanding the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, and holding the position of Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He also served as the second-in-command of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Rivers State and commanded the Nigeria Police Contingent to the African Union Peace Keeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan. Notably, Disu is also a veteran Judoka, having won a silver medal at the 33rd US Open four years ago. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.

Disu's appointment, even in an acting capacity, is expected to trigger a significant shake-up within the Nigeria Police Force. In line with police tradition, the promotion of a junior officer to lead the Force often leads to the retirement or dismissal of senior officers, particularly those ranking as Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), who were senior to the new IGP. Reports indicate that at least 29 senior police officers may be affected by this development. Among those identified as potentially impacted are several Deputy Inspectors General of Police:

• DIG Adebola Hamzat: Head of the Department of Logistics and Supply (DLS), appointed March 2025.
• DIG Yahaya Abubakar: Head of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), appointed 2024.
• DIG Bzigwu Kwazhi: Head of the Department of Operations (DOPs), actively involved in security assessments in 2025.
• DIG Adebowale Williams: Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• DIG Idris Abubakar: Joined the force in 1992, holding multiple degrees including a PhD in Psychology.
• AIG Frank Mba: A three-time National Spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, decorated as AIG in March 2023.
• DIG Basil Idegwu: Head of the Department of Research and Planning (R&P) as of March 2025, holding a PhD in Peace and Security Studies.
• DIG Mohammed Gumel: Head of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) as of late December 2025/early January 2026, recognized as the best Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024).

In the wake of this leadership transition, civil society groups are articulating their expectations for the new IGP. RULAAC, while describing Egbetokun's removal as a “relief” and expressing “cautious optimism” for Disu, urged him to embark on urgent reforms. The organization emphasized a three-point agenda: prioritizing welfare reform to curb corruption and misconduct within the force, demanding immediate action and transparency on unresolved allegations of organ harvesting involving police operatives in Awkuzu, Anambra State, and ensuring the neutrality and professionalism of the police during the 2027 general elections. RULAAC stressed that Disu's legacy would be judged by his ability to implement and scale up the humane policing model he has been known for to the highest command level.