President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu as acting inspector-general of police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, marking a leadership transition at the apex of Nigeria’s policing structure.
The appointment places Disu, a long-serving officer with decades of experience, in charge of steering the Nigeria Police Force at a time when national attention remains fixed on security management and institutional reform.
Tunji Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has spent over three decades in active service, building a career that spans operational, investigative, and administrative assignments.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in English education from Lagos State University and further obtained master’s degrees in public administration and in criminology, security, and legal psychology.
Throughout his career, Disu has occupied strategic command positions, including commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos where he coordinated urban policing and community-based operations.
He also served as head of the Intelligence Response Team in 2021, where he oversaw intelligence-led investigations and coordinated efforts against organised crime.
His previous assignments include serving as commissioner of police in Rivers State and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, roles that involved managing diverse security challenges across different regions.
Disu was also appointed assistant inspector-general of police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department annex in Alagbon, Lagos, where he supervised criminal investigations and case management structures.
As part of his professional development, he has undertaken specialised training programmes within Nigeria and internationally, covering small arms trafficking investigations, cybercrime, strategic leadership, and forensic processes.
These courses have been cited by policing authorities as contributing to his emphasis on intelligence-based policing and the application of technology in law enforcement.
Over the years, Disu has received commendations and awards for leadership and performance, including recognition as police commissioner of the year in previous service postings.
He is also affiliated with professional organisations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, reflecting his engagement with global policing practices and standards.
Officials say his elevation to acting inspector-general places responsibility on him to coordinate nationwide security operations, oversee reforms, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The presidency has indicated that the leadership change is part of ongoing efforts to improve internal discipline, enhance operational efficiency, and modernise policing systems across the country.
Security analysts note that the new police chief assumes office amid persistent concerns over crime, communal conflicts, and emerging security threats that require coordinated responses from federal and state authorities.
Observers also point out that the acting inspector-general will work with other security agencies and civil authorities to implement strategies aimed at crime prevention, intelligence sharing, and community engagement.
The office of the inspector-general of police is responsible for setting operational priorities, deploying personnel, and ensuring adherence to legal and professional standards within the force.
Disu’s appointment therefore places him at the centre of national security coordination, with expectations that his background in intelligence and field operations will shape policy direction and operational outcomes.
While government officials have expressed confidence in his experience and training, stakeholders within the policing sector have emphasised the importance of continuity, accountability, and public trust in the discharge of his duties.
As he assumes office, the acting inspector-general is expected to outline operational priorities and engage with internal and external partners on strategies aimed at improving safety and law enforcement effectiveness nationwide.