The newly decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has declared that the era of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force is over, promising to enforce strict discipline, uphold human rights, and implement a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
Disu made the pledge on Wednesday shortly after President Bola Tinubu decorated him with his new rank at the State House in Abuja.
Addressing State House correspondents after the ceremony, the acting police chief said reforming the mindset of officers would be one of his immediate priorities. He stressed that the police must recognise that their ultimate bosses are Nigerian citizens, not politicians.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over,” he said. “I will ensure that they follow human rights and that we operate a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
He emphasised that effective policing cannot happen without public trust and cooperation. According to him, one of his first steps will be to address officers nationwide to reinforce the principle of citizen-centred policing.
“The citizen is the boss,” Disu stated. “No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Disu described the moment as emotional, particularly when the President recounted highlights of his career during the decoration ceremony. He said Tinubu’s remarks signalled both recognition and a challenge to deliver on his mandate.
“It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working across the country,” he said, adding that he sees the appointment as a call to bring peace and stability to Nigeria.
On welfare, Disu pledged to prioritise the motivation of officers, noting that improved morale would translate into better performance. He also expressed confidence in the capacity of police personnel to confront challenges such as banditry and insurgency, saying officers across the country have been working hard under difficult conditions.
The immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony, voiced confidence in Disu’s leadership. He described him as a capable officer with whom he shares a long professional history and urged him to sustain ongoing reforms, including intelligence-led policing and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
Disu’s appointment followed Egbetokun’s resignation, officially attributed to family reasons. However, sources indicated that the former IGP was asked to step down during a meeting at the Presidential Villa.
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The new acting IGP is expected to formally assume office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where a handover ceremony will take place. His appointment is also likely to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, in line with established tradition within the Force.
Born on April 13, 1966, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has served in various operational and leadership capacities, including as head of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos and leader of the Intelligence Response Team.
With his pledge of reform and accountability, attention now turns to how swiftly and effectively he can translate his promises into tangible change within the Force.
