President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to strengthen and reform the Nigeria Police Force at a time the country is battling banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violent crime.
Tinubu personally decorated Disu with his new rank at the State House, describing the appointment as coming at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” and expressing confidence in the new police chief’s capacity to rebuild public trust in the Force.
“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” the President said during the decoration ceremony.
Drawing from his personal experience with Disu during his time as Lagos State governor, Tinubu said the Acting IGP had demonstrated dedication and professionalism worthy of the task ahead.
“I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State.
“Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” he added.
The President outlined clear expectations for Disu’s tenure, stressing discipline, professionalism, and cooperation across security agencies.
“I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” Tinubu charged.
While acknowledging the enormity of the responsibility, Tinubu assured Disu of unwavering presidential backing.
“It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it.
“You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda.
“You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” he stated.
The President also urged Disu to draw lessons from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony.
“You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you.
“You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation.
“The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” Tinubu said.
Addressing the outgoing IGP, the President expressed appreciation for his service and linked his legacy to the success of his successor.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country.
“Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force.
“You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” he said.
Tinubu added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor.
“Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.”
He noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun had adequately prepared him for the top job.
“Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation.
“He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the President stated.
The ceremony, which took place at about 4:00 pm in the President’s office, was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other senior government officials. Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, formally ushering him into leadership of Africa’s largest police force.
Responding, Disu pledged to justify the confidence placed in him, promising to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance for corruption within the Force.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents.
He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
The Acting IGP also stressed that citizens are the true employers of the police.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu said.
In his remarks, Egbetokun expressed strong confidence in his successor’s capacity to surpass his achievements.
“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” he stated.
The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun formally submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family matters that require his full attention.
