President Bola Tinubu officially decorated Tunji Disu with his new rank as the acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja. The ceremony took place at 4 pm, with key officials including Nuhu Ribadu, Femi Gbajabiamila, George Akume, and outgoing IGP Kayode Egbetokun in attendance.
Disu’s appointment comes just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026. However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police a four-year tenure regardless of age, he may remain in office until 2030.
The elevation of Disu is expected to trigger the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General and potentially 15 to 20 senior officers who are currently senior to him. Eight DIGs, including Adebola Hamzat, Mohammed Gumel, Adebowale Williams, and former Force spokesman Frank Mba, may be affected by the reshuffle.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served in multiple operational and leadership roles, including as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, head of the Intelligence Response Team, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the FCT, and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos.
Disu holds a degree in English Education from Lagos State University and two master’s degrees—Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University. He has undergone specialised training locally and internationally, including courses in small arms smuggling, internet fraud, forensic investigations, and strategic leadership.
A decorated judoka, Disu holds a third-dan black belt, has won medals at the U.S. Open Judo Championship and National Sports Festival, and currently serves as patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association. He also gained public recognition during the 2020 #EndSARS protests for using RRS ambulances to assist protesters in need of medical care.
The acting IGP is set to formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, with a handover and parade of senior officers. His appointment will be confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council and transmitted to the Senate, in line with constitutional provisions.
