The newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, promising to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance for corruption within the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu made the commitment on Wednesday after President Bola Tinubu personally decorated him with his new rank at the State House, Abuja.
His decoration came barely 24 hours after the former Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, submitted his resignation letter, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
Tinubu Charges Disu on Security
During the ceremony, President Tinubu urged Disu to improve the Police Force and tackle the country’s worsening security challenges, including banditry and terrorism.
“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 stated.
Responding, Disu said the President’s remarks about his service record moved him emotionally.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” he told State House correspondents.
He assured Nigerians that discipline and accountability would define his tenure.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” Disu said.
Citizens Are the Police’s Boss
The new police chief stressed that members of the public remain the ultimate authority the Police must serve.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them and let them know that the citizens of this country are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he added.
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 grants Inspectors-General a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age, he may remain in office until 2030.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served for over three decades in various operational and leadership capacities.
After the decoration, he formally assumed duty, taking his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard at the Force Headquarters around 4:15 p.m., before proceeding to the official handover ceremony with Egbetokun.
