Newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, says his elevation to the top job is both humbling and deeply emotional.
According to him, the appointment means a great deal, coming at a time he least expected it.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy of the position, describing the President’s remarks about his career as touching and encouraging.
Disu said the President’s public acknowledgment of his past assignments and achievements shows close attention to officers serving across the country and serves as a challenge to deliver even more.
He pledged to prioritise peace, stability, and national cohesion, stressing that citizens remain the “real bosses” of the Police.
The Acting IGP said one of his first engagements with officers would focus on reminding them that policing anywhere in the world cannot succeed without public cooperation.
He promised to pay attention to the welfare of officers, noting that motivated personnel are better positioned to give their best.
On discipline and accountability, Disu declared that the era of impunity is over.
He pledged strict adherence to human rights standards and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption within the Force.
While acknowledging the country’s current security challenges including banditry and insurgency.
He commended officers for their hard work and vowed to boost morale, improve coordination, and strengthen operational effectiveness.
Also speaking, the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him over the years — from his time as Chief Security Officer during Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State to his appointment as IGP.
Egbetokun described the handover as significant, noting that he shares a long history of mentorship with Disu under the President’s leadership.
He recalled a lesson from the President during his days as Lagos governor – that a good leader must have a succession plan and invest in likely successors.
Egbetokun said he deliberately invested in capable officers within the Nigeria Police Force and expressed satisfaction that one of them has now emerged as Acting IGP.
He highlighted Disu’s role in key assignments under his administration, including intelligence coordination, inter-agency collaboration, dismantling criminal syndicates, and implementing presidential directives such as the withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection.
Expressing strong confidence in his successor, Egbetokun said he believes Disu will not only continue ongoing reforms but surpass his achievements.
He described the transition as a continuation of shared goals aimed at strengthening intelligence response, discipline, and professionalism within the Force.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
