President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) with immediate effect. The appointment, announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, follows the unexpected resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down from the position citing “pressing family considerations.”
The transition marks a swift change in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023, was originally slated to serve until 2027 following recent amendments to the Police Act. In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed “profound appreciation” for Egbetokun’s service and voiced full confidence in Disu’s “operational depth and demonstrated leadership capacity” to steer the force through Nigeria’s current security challenges.
Acting IGP Tunji Disu is a highly decorated officer with a career spanning over three decades. Before this appointment, he served as the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. Disu gained national prominence as the Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), where he was credited with professionalizing the unit and fostering community trust. He later headed the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and served as Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Beyond his tactical credentials, Disu is a celebrated athlete, a third dan black belt in judo and a silver medalist at the 2022 US Open Judo Championship. His appointment is seen by analysts as a strategic move to bring a “modern and disciplined” approach to internal security. In line with the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu is expected to convene the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formalize the appointment before transmitting Disu’s name to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
