President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday officially decorated Tunji Disu as the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), entrusting him with the critical mandate of restoring public trust, strengthening discipline, and aggressively confronting escalating threats of banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities across Nigeria. This significant appointment follows the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, with President Tinubu urging Disu to lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level, and prioritize the safety of lives and property as the highest concern for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Disu described his elevation to the top police job as profoundly humbling, unexpected, and deeply emotional, expressing immense gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the President. President Tinubu lauded Disu as a "straightforward individual, committed and respected," acknowledging his past postings and professional record, which Disu noted signaled both recognition and a challenge to deliver. Notably, Disu's appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement at 60 years of age on April 13, 2026; however, an amended Police Act allows Inspectors-General to complete a four-year tenure regardless of age or years of service, a provision that had also benefited his predecessor.

Outlining his vision for a reformed and accountable police institution, Disu unequivocally declared that "the era of impunity is over." He pledged to phase out impunity, human rights violations, and corruption—practices that were widely criticized during the preceding administration. Disu committed to prioritizing human rights compliance through rigorous training and supervision, while enforcing a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption. He emphasized that professionalism and respect for the rule of law would define his leadership, aiming to rebuild the NPF's credibility.

A core tenet of Acting IGP Disu's strategy is to reorient police officers to recognize citizens as their primary partners and "real bosses." He stated that one of his first engagements with officers would focus on the indispensable principle that effective policing cannot succeed without public trust and cooperation, stressing the need to rebuild confidence between communities and law enforcement. Furthermore, Disu assured officers that their welfare would receive attention, believing that a motivated workforce is essential for achieving operational success in combating the country's severe security challenges, including insurgency and banditry. He vowed to boost morale and provide strategic direction to enhance performance across the force.

The immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him throughout his career, from serving as Tinubu's Chief Security Officer in Lagos to his appointment as IGP. During the handover, Egbetokun conveyed his satisfaction with Disu as his successor, highlighting a shared history of mentorship under President Tinubu's leadership and recalling the importance of succession planning. Egbetokun underscored Disu's significant contributions during his administration, including intelligence coordination, inter-agency collaboration, dismantling criminal syndicates, and effectively implementing presidential directives such as the withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorized VIP protection. He expressed confidence that Disu would not only continue ongoing reforms but also surpass his achievements, ensuring a seamless continuation of shared goals.

However, Egbetokun's tenure was notably marked by widespread allegations of human rights abuses, multilayered corruption, including procurement scandals and illegal asset sales, and tactics perceived as repressive during protests, which led to his blacklisting by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria. These issues significantly deepened the image crisis for the police and strained public trust. Disu's firm pledges against impunity, human rights violations, and corruption, alongside his emphasis on public cooperation and officer welfare, directly address these criticisms, signaling a concerted effort to usher in a new era of accountability and service for the Nigeria Police Force.