UPDATED: Police Council unanimously approves Disu as 23rd IGP
…Tinubu to swear him in on Wednesday …“He has his work cut out for him,” says AbdulRazaq as governors express high expectations The Nigeria Police Council on Monday unanimously approved
...Tinubu to swear him in on Wednesday
...“He has his work cut out for him,” says AbdulRazaq as governors express high expectations
The Nigeria Police Council on Monday unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Olatunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set to formally swear him in on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at the next FEC session, following the Council’s endorsement of the appointment.
The well-attended meeting, presided over by President Tinubu, was held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, and lasted less than 30 minutes before the unanimous decision was reached.
The approval complies with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which mandates the Council to consider any appointment of an Inspector-General of Police by the President before the name is transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The Police Council, chaired by the President, comprises the 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the Council carefully reviewed Disu’s records and was satisfied with his credentials and performance.
“At the deliberations, we went through his records, his performance in office, and his recommendations, and the Council was glad to approve the recommendations for him to be appointed the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
On the Council's expectations, AbdulRazaq noted that the new police chief faces significant responsibilities, particularly amid ongoing national conversations about state policing.
“He has his work cut out for him, especially in this age of talk about state police now. The challenges are there; he’s been through it. He did a major assignment with the Rapid Response in Lagos State and the FCT, so he has a record to show that he can perform.
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“There is great expectation from the 36 states and the FCT, which he has to organise. We wish him all the best, and we look forward to working with him,” the NGF chairman added.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President's appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike's home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-Charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015. He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command's strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Monday’s meeting followed last week’s resignation of former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
In announcing Egbetokun’s exit, the Presidency had indicated that the Council would be convened shortly to formally consider Disu’s appointment.
In attendance at the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.
Also present were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Peter Mba (Enugu), alongside deputy governors of Kogi and Delta states.
The Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; and Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also attended.
Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since last Wednesday following Egbetokun’s departure.
During his decoration ceremony last week, President Tinubu charged him to reposition the Nigeria Police Force at what he described as a critical time in the nation’s history.
“Today, we hand you the responsibility of leading the Nigeria Police Force at a critical time in our nation’s journey. You must lead with integrity, prioritise the welfare of your officers, and work tirelessly to restore confidence in the police as a force for good,” the President had said.
A native of Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University and master’s degrees in Public Administration as well as Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology.
With Monday’s unanimous endorsement by the Police Council and his swearing-in slated for Wednesday, Disu is set to assume full leadership of the Force.
