President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the resignation of Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and swiftly approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police. This significant leadership change took effect immediately from February 24, 2026, as announced in a State House press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy).

Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter citing "pressing family considerations." President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. Egbetokun's tenure began in June 2023 when he was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police, with his substantive appointment confirmed on October 31, 2023. Although he was initially due for retirement upon reaching the mandatory age of 60 in September 2024, his tenure had been extended in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act, with his four-year term originally scheduled to conclude in June 2027. The President commended Egbetokun’s "dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure."

Stepping into this critical role, AIG Tunji Disu's appointment was approved by the President "in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance." President Tinubu conveyed confidence that Disu’s "experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period." In compliance with the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu is expected to convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation. The President also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Beyond his new title, Tunji Disu brings a diverse background and extensive experience to the helm of the police force. Long before his leadership roles in policing, Disu pursued academic interests, studying English Education at Lagos State University. This academic foundation is often credited for his reputation as one of the force's more articulate and media-savvy officers. He furthered his education with postgraduate degrees in Public Administration and Criminology, establishing himself as both an academic and a tactical officer.

Disu is well-known in Lagos for his innovative approach to policing. As Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), he spearheaded the "Good Guys" initiative, a rebranding effort that shifted the focus of officers towards actively assisting citizens, performing acts such as jump-starting stalled cars and providing first aid, thereby fostering a more community-friendly image for the RRS.

His discipline extends beyond law enforcement into the realm of sports. Disu is a legitimate Judo champion, holding a Third Dan Black Belt. In 2022, while already a senior officer, he demonstrated his prowess by winning a Silver Medal at the US Open Judo Championship in the veteran category. He has also served as a long-term Chairman of the Nigeria Police Judo Association, underscoring his serious commitment to the sport's principles.

Disu has a proven track record of leadership in challenging circumstances. In 2021, he was handpicked to lead the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) during a major crisis following the high-profile suspension of its former head. This high-pressure cleanup role required him to restore professional standards and re-establish intelligence-led operations within one of the nation's most sensitive units, a task in which his tenure was widely regarded as successful.

Furthermore, Disu's experience is not confined to Nigeria. In 2005, he was part of the very first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), serving as an Acting Chief of Staff in Darfur. This international peacekeeping and security experience likely played a significant role in shaping his leadership approach and broad perspective on law enforcement.