The winds of change blew through the Louis Edet House on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as Tunji Disu officially assumed duty as Nigeria’s acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The transition marks a pivotal moment for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), coming on the heels of the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.
From the hallowed halls of the Presidential Villa to the gates of the Force Headquarters, the day was defined by high-level ceremony and a palpable sense of anticipation. As Disu took his first official salute at 4:25 p.m., he didn’t just step into a new office; he stepped into a new chapter of national security history.
A Sudden Exit and a Swift Appointment
The road to Disu’s appointment was unexpectedly brief. Just 24 hours prior, Kayode Egbetokun, who had led the force since June 2023, tendered his resignation to President Bola Tinubu. While official statements cited “pressing family issues” requiring Egbetokun’s undivided attention, whispers from the corridors of power suggest a more complex story.
Presidency sources indicate that the transition followed a high-stakes meeting at the Villa on Monday evening. Regardless of the catalyst, President Tinubu moved with characteristic speed, accepting the resignation and immediately naming Disu as the successor.
The Decoration Ceremony
At 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the President formally decorated Disu with his new rank. The brief but solemn ceremony in Abuja featured a “who’s who” of national security, including:
- Nuhu Ribadu: National Security Adviser
- Femi Gbajabiamila: Chief of Staff to the President
- George Akume: Secretary to the Government of the Federation
- Kayode Egbetokun: The outgoing Inspector-General
President Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, commending Egbetokun for his dedicated service before charging the new acting IGP with the task of securing the nation.
The “Disu Effect”: A Career Built on Excellence
Who exactly is the man now leading Nigeria’s 370,000 police officers? Born on Lagos Island in 1966, Tunji Disu is widely regarded as a “cop’s cop”—a blend of intellectual depth and operational grit.
The Academic Powerhouse
Disu is far from your average officer. He boasts an impressive educational background that has shaped his strategic approach to policing:
- Lagos State University: B.A. in English Education.
- Adekunle Ajasin University: Master’s in Public Administration.
- Lagos State University: Master’s in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology.
His thirst for knowledge took him across the globe. From studying Internet Fraud at the University of Cambridge to mastering Small Arms Smuggling in Botswana, Disu has spent decades preparing for the complexities of modern crime.
From RRS to the IRT
Many Nigerians remember Disu as the face of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos. For six years, he transformed the unit into “The Good Guys,” focusing on community relations and rapid intervention. His success there led to his appointment as the head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in 2021, where he was tasked with cleaning up and revitalizing the unit following a high-profile scandal involving its previous head.
The Judicial Black Belt: Policing and Passion
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the new IGP is his prowess on the judo mat. Holding a third-dan black belt, Disu isn’t just a patron of the sport; he is a world-class competitor. In 2022, he stunned the sporting world by winning a silver medal at the U.S. Open Judo Championship in the veteran category.
This discipline from the dojo translates directly into his policing style: calm, calculated, and focused. During the 2020 #EndSARS protests, while tensions were at a breaking point, Disu famously ordered his RRS ambulances to assist injured protesters. This act of empathy earned him rare public praise during a time of deep national friction.
The “Seniority Shake-up”: A Looming Mass Retirement
While Disu’s appointment has been met with optimism, it carries a heavy cost for the force’s upper echelons. In line with long-standing police tradition, when a junior officer is elevated to the top spot, their seniors are typically expected to vacate their seats to maintain the chain of command.
Experts suggest this appointment could trigger the retirement of between 15 and 20 senior officers. Specifically, nine Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) currently serving at Force Headquarters may have to submit their resignations. Notable names potentially affected include:
- DIG Frank Mba: Former Force Spokesman and ICT expert.
- DIG Adebola Hamzat: Logistics and Supply.
- DIG Mohammed Gumel: Force Intelligence Department.
This mass exit presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the force loses decades of experience, it allows Disu to build a fresh, cohesive leadership team aligned with his “zero tolerance for corruption” vision.
What the Future Holds: Tenure and Transformation
There is a fascinating legal layer to Disu’s appointment. Under normal circumstances, he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on April 13, 2026 giving him just 48 days in office.
However, the amended Police Act changes the game. The Act allows an IGP to serve a full four-year tenure regardless of their age or years of service. If President Tinubu and the Nigeria Police Council exercise this provision, Tunji Disu could lead the force until 2030.
Immediate Priorities
Upon assuming duty, Disu was clear about his mandate. He has declared an immediate end to impunity and a “zero tolerance” policy for internal corruption. His goal is to rebrand the Nigeria Police Force as a service-oriented institution that commands respect through integrity rather than fear.
“The era of impunity is over. We are here to serve the Nigerian people with honor and transparency.” — Acting IGP Tunji Disu
Conclusion: A New Chapter for National Security
The transition from Egbetokun to Disu happened in the blink of an eye, but its impact will be felt for years. With his background in criminology, his reputation for empathy, and his “black belt” discipline, Tunji Disu is perhaps the most uniquely qualified officer to lead the NPF in the digital age.
As he settles into Louis Edet House, the eyes of over 200 million Nigerians are on him. Can he successfully navigate the internal shake-ups and external security threats? Only time will tell, but for today, a new salute has been taken, and a new era has begun.
READ ALSO: Trade Resumes as Vital DRC-Burundi Border Reopens After Months of Conflict
