Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the newly decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to leave the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country confronts banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Speaking during the decoration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu described Disu’s appointment as coming at “a defining moment for our nation’s security” and expressed confidence in his capacity to restore professionalism and public trust in the Force.
“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” the President said.
Drawing from his time as Lagos State governor, Tinubu said he was familiar with Disu’s track record and dedication.
“I know your record. I believe in the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was Governor of Lagos State. Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” he added.
The President urged the new police chief to strengthen discipline within the Force, deepen inter-agency collaboration and prioritise the protection of lives and property.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” Tinubu said, assuring him of full presidential support.
He also encouraged Disu to draw from the experience of the outgoing IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General, Nigeria remains grateful for your dedication and distinguished service,” Tinubu said, adding that Disu’s success would form part of Egbetokun’s legacy.
In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, declaring zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct within the Force.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over,” he said. “I will ensure that officers follow human rights principles and that we operate a regime of zero tolerance for corruption.”
He emphasised that citizens remain the ultimate authority the police serve.
“No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public. The citizen is the boss,” he stated.
Egbetokun expressed confidence in his successor, saying he believed Disu would surpass his achievements.
“I invested in likely successors in the Nigeria Police Force, and I am glad one of them has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he will surpass what I have done,” he said.
The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation, citing family reasons, though Presidency sources indicated he was asked to step down following a meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Disu’s appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would attain the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, under the amended Police Act, which provides a fixed four-year tenure for Inspectors-General of Police, he could remain in office until 2030, subject to confirmation.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will soon convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP before transmitting his name to the Senate for confirmation.
Disu assumes office
Following the ceremony, Disu formally assumed duty at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he took his first salute as Acting Inspector-General from the Quarter Guard before proceeding to a handover session with Egbetokun.
In his maiden address to officers, Disu acknowledged the Force’s challenges, including public distrust, outdated systems, resource gaps and misconduct, pledging reforms anchored on professionalism, accountability and community partnership.
He said the Force would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation and digital tools, while strengthening internal oversight mechanisms.
“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,” he declared.
Disu also promised to improve officers’ welfare and working conditions, urging personnel to uphold integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties.
