President Bola Tinubu officially decorated Olatunji Disu with the insignia of his new rank as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) during a ceremony held on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja. The event took place around 4 p.m. in the President's office and was attended by prominent figures including the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun, along with other senior government officials and family members. With this swearing-in, Acting IGP Disu becomes Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police, serving in an acting capacity pending ratification by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmation by the Senate.

President Tinubu issued a clear mandate to the new Acting IGP, tasking him with crushing criminal elements, restoring peace, and strengthening security across the country. He emphasized the critical moment for national security and expressed full confidence in Disu's capacity, discipline, operational experience, and leadership, recalling Disu's dedication during Tinubu's tenure as governor of Lagos State. The President urged Disu to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, lead "firmly but fairly," demand professionalism at every level, and prioritize the safety of lives and property. Tinubu assured Disu of his unwavering support in advancing the security objectives of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, acknowledging Nigeria's challenges with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.

In response to his appointment, Acting IGP Disu declared that the era of impunity in the Nigeria Police Force is over. Addressing State House correspondents, he expressed profound emotion at the President's detailed recollection of his past work and successes, which he interpreted as a challenge to uphold his reputation for bringing peace and recognition to the country. Disu pledged to train officers, encourage strict adherence to human rights, enforce a regime of zero tolerance for corruption, and, crucially, drum into his personnel the necessity of public cooperation for the Force's success.

Disu’s appointment follows the resignation of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. While the Presidency initially cited "pressing family considerations" for Egbetokun's departure, reports from SaharaReporters and internal sources suggest he was asked or ordered by President Tinubu to step down due to alleged incompetence, power-drunkenness, numerous scandals, and kidney-related medical issues. Egbetokun's tenure reportedly extended beyond the mandatory retirement age, drawing criticism from civil society groups. Allegations also surfaced regarding rapid, questionable promotions for a principal staff officer and the alleged diversion of N100 million from Anambra State’s security vote to his son’s account. It was also reported that Egbetokun, in a last-minute attempt to protect his interests and avoid an EFCC investigation, recommended Disu as his successor.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Olatunji Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. He is a graduate of Lagos State University and holds master's degrees in Public Administration and in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology. His extensive career includes serving as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos (2015-2021), Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. In 2021, he was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team, replacing Abba Kyari. Disu is also a third-dan black belt judoka, having won a silver medal at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022 and multiple medals at national sports festivals and Nigerian Police Games. His elevation to Acting IGP comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would attain 60 years of age. However, under the amended Police Act, an Inspector-General of Police may serve a four-year term irrespective of age if confirmed substantively, potentially allowing him to remain in office until 2030.

The appointment is expected to lead to significant changes within the Force, as police practice requires senior officers to step aside when a junior officer becomes IGP. Sources indicate that between 15 and 29 senior officers, including several Deputy Inspectors-General and Assistant Inspectors-General, may be affected by retirements. Political maneuvering reportedly played a role in Disu's selection, with a powerful faction known as the "Lagos Boys" advocating for his appointment over Chief Bisi Akande’s preferred candidate, citing Disu’s loyalty to the Lagos bloc and his past service as an ADC to President Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos. President Tinubu initially expressed reservations due to Disu’s nearing retirement and potential controversies, but was reportedly overwhelmed by pressure from Lagos stakeholders.

The Citizens' Gavel organization welcomed Disu's appointment, framing it as a critical opportunity for far-reaching reforms to restore public confidence in policing. The group highlighted Disu’s six-year tenure as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as evidence that effective crime control can coexist with respect for human rights, advocating for the nationwide replication of the "people-first policing model." Citizens' Gavel outlined a detailed reform agenda, urging Disu to prioritize structural and cultural changes, including adopting a "citizen-first policing culture" rooted in human rights, transparency, and accountability. Other recommendations included standardizing modern training, institutionalizing psychological assessments for officers, improving welfare and working conditions, and ensuring full implementation of the Police Act 2020 with measurable benchmarks and public reporting on reform progress. The organization reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively in support of meaningful reform efforts.