The acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, officially assumed duty on Wednesday following his decoration earlier in the day by President Bola Tinubu.
His appointment comes after the resignation of former Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down on Tuesday, citing family reasons. Egbetokun was appointed on June 19, 2023.
Disu took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard and officers at the Force Headquarters shortly after returning from the Presidential Villa around 4:25 p.m. He and Egbetokun later proceeded to the official handover ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.
In his remarks, Disu thanked the President for the confidence placed in him. He said the Nigeria Police Force has the capacity to address current security challenges, noting that the Force is made up of officers whose experience and commitment have helped the country navigate difficult periods.
He also acknowledged challenges within the Force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and cases of misconduct.
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“These are truths we must confront with resolve in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.
Disu outlined three priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
On professionalism, he said the Force would adopt intelligence-led policing, strengthen forensic investigations, expand the use of digital tools and rely more on evidence-based practices. He added that officers would receive better training and equipment.
Addressing accountability, he made it clear that misconduct would not be tolerated under his leadership and that disciplinary measures would apply across all ranks.
He said, “I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over. The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes. This applies at every rank, without exception, including those closest to me.
“I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable. We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.”
He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight systems and improve transparency in line with the rule of law.
On community partnership, Disu said effective policing depends on collaboration with the public. He said community policing would be central to the operations of the Force.
He urged officers to carry out their duties with integrity and compassion and assured them of improved welfare and better working conditions. He also called on Nigerians to support the police by reporting crimes, engaging with officers and holding the institution accountable where necessary.