President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu as the acting Inspector-General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. According to the statement, Egbetokun stepped down from the position, citing “pressing family considerations” as the reason for his decision.
Egbetokun’s resignation comes less than three years after his appointment. He was named IGP by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, succeeding Usman Baba, and was subsequently confirmed by the Police Council in October of the same year. Under the amended Police Act, he was expected to complete a four-year tenure ending in June 2027.
With his exit, Disu steps into the role in an acting capacity pending formal ratification. The president is expected to convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to consider the appointment. Following that, Disu’s name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation as substantive Inspector-General.
In the statement, the presidency expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to lead the force at what it described as a critical period for national security. It noted that his operational experience and leadership track record would provide “steady and focused direction” for the Nigeria Police Force.
The administration also reiterated its broader commitment to strengthening national security architecture, improving institutional capacity, and ensuring that the police remain professional and accountable while fully equipped to carry out their constitutional duties.
Disu is no stranger to high-profile policing assignments. Earlier this month, he assumed office as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
A graduate of Lagos State University with a bachelor’s degree in English Education, Disu also holds master’s degrees in public administration, criminology, and security and legal psychology. Since joining the Nigeria Police Force in 1992, he has held several strategic positions across the country.
He previously served as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, headed the Intelligence Response Team, and worked as Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. He also led the Special Protection Unit as an Assistant Inspector-General.
As the process for his confirmation begins, attention will likely turn to how Disu navigates the security challenges facing the country and whether his experience across tactical, investigative, and administrative commands will translate into broader institutional reforms.