President Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Nigeria’s 23rd Police Chief Following Egbetokun’s Sudden Exit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu with the insignia of the Inspector-General of Police during a formal ceremony at the State House in Abuja, marking Disu’s immediate assumption of duties as Acting IGP.

The event, held at 4:00 p.m. in the President’s office, was attended by key figures including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the outgoing IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The Transition

Tinubu pinned the new rank on Disu’s uniform and congratulated him on the appointment, which took effect immediately upon Egbetokun’s resignation the previous day. The President expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to lead the Nigeria Police Force at a critical time.

The ceremony followed Egbetokun’s submission of his resignation letter on February 23, officially citing family considerations that required his full attention. A statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Tinubu’s acceptance and gratitude for Egbetokun’s service. Multiple sources, however, indicated Egbetokun was requested to step down during a Monday evening meeting at the Presidential Villa.

Tenure and Legality

Disu’s appointment as Acting IGP comes 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he turns 60 – the mandatory retirement age under pre-amendment rules. The 2020 Police Act amendment allows an IGP a full four-year term regardless of age, meaning Disu could potentially serve until 2030 if his substantive appointment is confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate.

Profile of Acting IGP Tunji Disu

Disu, born April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. A graduate of English Education from Lagos State University, he holds master’s degrees in Public Administration and Criminology.

• Career Highlights: Former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he rebranded officers as “The Good Guys.” He later headed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), replacing Abba Kyari, and served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the FCT.

• Athletics: A third-dan black belt judoka, winning silver at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022.

• Public Image: Recognized during the 2020 #EndSARS protests for releasing RRS ambulances to assist injured protesters.

Disu assumes leadership at a pivotal moment, with expectations high for renewed focus on professionalism and the effective enforcement of presidential directives, such as the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs.