Tinubu to acting IGP: You have my full support, restore peace, security nationwide

Says Nigeria confronted with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities

Disu pledges to prioritise citizens’ welfare, police professionalism

Emeka Agu with agency reports

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, charged the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to restore peace and strengthen security nationwide.

Tinubu gave the charge at the swearing-in and decoration of Disu at the State House, Abuja.

“For you to assume this responsibility, I know your record,” the president said.

“I believe in the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” he added.

Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a defining moment for national security.

“You assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security. I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore peace,” he said.

The president urged him to rebuild public confidence in the police.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains our highest priority,” Tinubu said.

“It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word; you have my full support,” he added.

Tinubu said Nigeria was confronted with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.

“You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them. Nigeria will prevail,” he said.

The president also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.

Responding, Disu thanked the president for the confidence reposed in him.

“It came at a time I was not expecting it. I thank the president for finding me fit to be appointed as Inspector-General of Police,” he said.

He told State House Correspondents that the president’s remarks about his career were deeply moving.

“It shows the president took his time to monitor officers working across the country. It is a challenge for me to do what I am known for,” he said.

Disu pledged to prioritise citizens’ welfare and police professionalism.

“I’m going to let my men know that the citizens are the bosses. No police anywhere can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he said.

He promised zero-tolerance for corruption and impunity within the force.

“I will ensure they follow human rights and maintain a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” Disu vowed.

He acknowledged the extant security challenges and promised to boost morale to tackle insurgency and other threats.

“All I need to do is channel their morale and thoughts to make things better,” he said.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olatunji Disu, has told officers and men of the Force that his leadership in the Nigeria Police Force would be visible, accountable and worthy of being followed.

Disu said this on Wednesday in Abuja at an event to mark his taking over as the 23rd IGP from the recently retired IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

He said his tenure would be built on clear commitments to recognising modernism, accountability, integrity, community partnership and trust.

“To all officers of the Nigeria Police Force, I will demand the best from you because the people we serve deserve nothing less.

“Integrity, compassion and courage are not optional qualities to serve our communities, they are the job.

“On my own part, I will fight for your welfare, your dignity, and the conditions you need to serve effectively and you will not be asked to perform miracles with nothing.

“Leadership in this service, from this day forward, must be visible, accountable, and worthy of being followed,” he said.

According to him, I am indeed humbled and greatly appreciative of the torrent of congratulatory messages I received from within and outside the Nigeria Police Force since my announcement as the I-G.

Disu said that he was of the opinion that it was not time to be congratulated because a heavy burden had been placed on his shoulder and that of his colleagues.

“It is not yet time because I know the expectations are very high. It is not yet time because I know we should not only meet the expectation but strive to surpass them,” he said.

The acting IGP commended former IGPs for their passion, professionalism and dedication and for the foundation they laid and the structures they worked hard to build.

“I am not unmindful of the sacrifices that every one of them made in the course of their respective tenure,” Disu said.

Earlier, Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to serve as IGP.

He said the confidence was not merely an appointment, but a constitutional trust to safeguard internal security and strengthen this institution at the defining moment in the nation’s history.

“For his standing leadership and sustained support for policing reform, I remain deeply grateful.

“I equally acknowledge the constructive oversight of the Police Service Commission and the collaboration of the Minister of Police Affairs whose partnership ensured policy coherence, administrative stability, and reform continuity within the force,” he said.

Egbetokun said serving as I-G was the highest professional honor of his career.

He said leading an institution sustained by sacrifice and entrusted with the preservation of public orders was both privileged and solemn responsibility.