Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu as New Police Chief

ByEditor

Feb 24, 2026 #Bola Tinubu, #Inspector General of Police Nigeria, #Kayode Egbetokun, #new IGP Nigeria, #Nigeria Police Force, #Nigeria security leadership, #Police Act tenure, #Tunji Disu

Pat Stevens/

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu as the new Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, replacing Kayode Egbetokun.

Sources familiar with the development said Egbetokun stepped aside following discussions with the president, clearing the way for Disu to assume command pending formal confirmation by the appropriate authorities.

Egbetokun had led the police since June 2023 after his appointment by Tinubu shortly after the president assumed office.

His tenure drew national attention in 2024 when legislative changes allowed an Inspector General to remain in office for a fixed four year term even after reaching the traditional retirement age or service limit.

Disu, a career police officer widely known for operational assignments, joined the force in 1992 and steadily rose through the ranks.

Over the years he served in intelligence and tactical units and gained prominence while leading the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, one of the most visible crime fighting units in the country.

He later held senior command roles including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory before his elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector General.

Colleagues often describe him as a field oriented officer with experience in counter crime operations and urban policing.

His appointment comes at a time when the leadership and structure of the police remain under public scrutiny amid security challenges across several parts of the country.

Attention has also turned to the question of tenure. Disu is believed to be due for statutory retirement around April based on age and years of service.

However, recent precedent within the police hierarchy suggests that an Inspector General may remain in office for the duration of a four year tenure once appointed, following amendments to the police law and the interpretation applied during Egbetokun’s time in office.

If the same framework is applied, Disu could potentially remain as police chief beyond his scheduled retirement date unless the president decides otherwise or a policy shift occurs.

Changes in the office of the Inspector General are often followed by a wider reorganisation within the police high command, including compulsory retirements and redeployments among deputy inspectors general, assistant inspectors general and commissioners of police.

Officials were expected to provide further details on the transition as the development unfolded.