President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday tasked the newly decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, with reforming the Nigeria Police Force and restoring public trust as the country battles insecurity.
At a ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu personally decorated Disu with his new rank, describing his appointment as coming at a “defining moment” for national security. He urged the new police chief to leave the Force better than he met it.
“The commitment I expect from you is to make it better than you met it. Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” the President said.
Tinubu, who recalled Disu’s service during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, expressed confidence in his leadership abilities and professionalism. He charged him to strengthen discipline within the Force, promote inter-agency collaboration and prioritise the safety of lives and property.
The President also thanked the outgoing Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, for his service, noting that the success of his successor would form part of his legacy.
In his response, Disu pledged zero tolerance for corruption and impunity within the Force. He said he would prioritise human rights, accountability and professionalism.
“The era of impunity is over,” Disu declared. “The citizen is the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of the public.”
He acknowledged existing challenges, including a trust deficit between the police and communities, outdated systems and resource gaps. However, he expressed confidence that the Force has the capacity to address prevailing security threats.
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Disu outlined three key priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation, accountability and integrity, and stronger community partnership. He promised to adopt intelligence-led policing, improve training and strengthen internal oversight mechanisms.
Under the amended Police Act, Disu could serve a four-year tenure if confirmed, despite being close to the mandatory retirement age of 60. His appointment is expected to be considered by the Nigeria Police Council before being transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
Shortly after his decoration, Disu formally assumed duty at the Force Headquarters, where he took his first salute as Acting Inspector-General and pledged to reposition the Nigeria Police as a people-oriented institution.
