Fresh facts about new IGP, Disu

Some Deputy Inspectors General set to retire

By Mike Dike & Stephen Gbadamosi

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Assistant Inspector-General Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun on February 23, 2026.

The appointment places a seasoned career officer with more than three decades of service at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force at a time when the federal government is intensifying efforts to address insecurity across the country.

His appointment is expected to lead to the retirement of some Deputy Inspectors General among others, paving way for a fresh set of officers to serve with the new IGP.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu joined the police in May 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent after training at the Police Academy in Kaduna.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University, as well as two master’s degrees — Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from LASU.

He has also attended several specialised courses in intelligence, cybercrime, and forensic investigations both locally and internationally.

Over the years, Disu has served in several operational and investigative roles. He worked as a Divisional Police Officer in parts of Ondo State, including Owo, and served as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Squad as well as Second-in-Command at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID).

His major postings include: Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos; Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT); Commissioner of Police, Rivers State; Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja; Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos

In these roles, he was credited with strengthening crime-fighting operations, improving intelligence coordination, and promoting community-focused policing.

Security experts and colleagues describe Disu as a decorated and technology-driven officer known for discipline and operational efficiency. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

His appointment is widely seen as an attempt to inject fresh leadership into the police hierarchy, with expectations that he will prioritise professionalism, accountability, and improved responses to threats such as kidnapping, banditry, and organised crime.

A formal handover ceremony is expected after completion of official processes.

Senior police officials and sources within the Police Service Commission confirmed the removal of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday.

“Egbetokun was at the (Presidential) Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that already and he will be handing over to Tunji Disu,” one of the sources said.

“He is incompetent and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President said he should leave to focus on getting treatment for himself. You know, he has kidney-related medical issues,” the source added.

It was also learnt that some police officers celebrated upon hearing the news of Egbetokun’s removal on Monday.

“Police officers jubilated on Monday when they heard the news. The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, wanted him to stay, but the President was adamant. She fought that he should remain in office, despite all the scandals,” one of the sources said.