President Bola Tinubu will formally swear in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Wednesday, following the unanimous endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for the same day, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement.
The council meeting, held at the State House, was presided over by President Tinubu and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in line with constitutional provisions.
Other senior officials present included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam; Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Head of Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack.
Several governors present at the meeting commended Disu’s appointment, highlighting his extensive career in the Nigeria Police Force.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke glowingly of Disu’s work as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos between 2015 and 2021. He noted that Disu earned recognition for excellence in crime control, particularly in responding to high-risk situations and reducing violent crimes in the metropolis.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, also lauded the President’s choice, saying the appointment was based on Disu’s impressive service record.
FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Wike, highlighted Disu’s tenure as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the anti-kidnapping unit in Rivers State from 2014 to 2015. Wike said Disu later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT command during his time as minister, commending his efficiency and professionalism in handling security challenges in the capital territory.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, seconded the motion, endorsing Disu’s appointment and praising his commitment to modern policing.
Disu’s confirmation as substantive IGP comes barely a week after President Tinubu appointed him acting IGP following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He is 59 years old and holds multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship. The Presidency described these credentials as reflective of his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
Before his appointment as acting IGP, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex in Lagos.
Like his predecessor, Disu has a longstanding professional relationship with President Tinubu. While Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer, Disu acted as Aide-de-Camp to Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor between 1999 and 2007.
Disu’s extensive policing experience spans several key departments, including crime investigation, anti-kidnapping operations, and rapid response units. His leadership of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos earned him recognition for innovative policing strategies that contributed to a noticeable reduction in violent crimes across the state.
His career trajectory has been marked by promotions reflecting both operational excellence and administrative skill, leading to his recent elevation to Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Disu assumes office at a critical time for Nigeria’s security landscape. The country continues to face complex challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnapping for ransom, and urban crime in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
As IGP, Disu will also oversee reforms in training, recruitment, and modernisation of the Nigeria Police Force, which has long faced calls for improved professionalism, accountability, and citizen trust.
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Disu has received support from stakeholders across the country. Governors, senior police officers, and civil society groups have expressed optimism that his tenure will strengthen law enforcement and bring more discipline to policing operations.
The swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Wednesday during the FEC meeting will formally make Olatunji Disu the substantive Inspector General of Police, giving him full authority to lead the Nigeria Police Force.