A new chapter opened in the history of the police yesterday.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun due to retire in June next year resigned with immediate effect.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who promptly accepted his exit appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Olatunji Rilwan Disu as acting Inspector General of Police. He will become the 23rd IGP after the approval of his appointment by the Police Council and clearance for the position by the Senate.
Although, Egbetokun said he was leaving for personal reasons, it was gathered that his consistent opposition to state police which the President considered very important to ending insecurity in the country, might have been responsible for his exit.
Besides, sources in government said another likely reason for his precipitated exit, might have been his bungling of the Presidential directive to withdraw orderlies from public office holders not permitted to have police protection.
In many public fora, Egbetokun did not shy away from affirming his rejection of state police, he continuously said he would beef up community policing.
Egbetokun was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year term.
In September 2024 when he clocked 60 there were agitations that he should step down in line with civil service rule for officials to step down at age 60 or after 35 years of service – which ever comes first.
But the government said the amendment to police act in 2020 had prescribed a four year tenure for the IG, unless he resigns of removed by the President.
Announcing the IG’s resignation yesterday, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a statement said: ‘’The President acknowledged Egbetokun’s dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture during his tenure.
‘’In view of the prevailing security challenges across the country, President Tinubu, acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, approved the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu to steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force in acting capacity, the statement added.
‘’The President expressed confidence that Disu’s experience, operational depth and demonstrated leadership capacity would provide steady and focused direction for the Force at a critical time.
“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will shortly convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police,” the statement said.
Following the Council’s consideration, Disu’s name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, in line with statutory requirements
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
The President assured Nigerians that the transition in leadership would not disrupt ongoing security operations nationwide
Born on April 13, 1966, in Isale Eko, Lagos, Disu, enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). His entry into the Force marked the beginning of more than three decades of active service defined by operational policing, intelligence work and strategic administration.
He started out investigative policing as Officer in Charge of the Anti-Fraud Section at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Katsina, serving from 1993 to 1998.
In 1999, Disu was appointed Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the then Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His international exposure came in 2005 when he led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (Darfur). He later served as acting Chief of Staff for the contingent, gaining valuable experience in multinational operations and crisis coordination.
Back home, Disu held several operational command positions. He served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ondo State, commanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) units in Ondo and Oyo states, and led anti-kidnapping operations in Rivers State, where his efforts were widely acknowledged.
He rose to national prominence during his tenure as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS). Under his leadership, the RRS adopted intelligence-led and community-centred policing strategies, transforming the unit’s public image and operational effectiveness.
From 2021 to 2023, Disu headed the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a specialised unit tasked with tackling organised criminal networks. He subsequently served in key roles at the Force Headquarters, including Commissioner of Police (CP) Administration and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Inspector-General of Police. He was also deployed as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and later at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
Following his promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) last year, he was posted to the Special Protection Unit (SPU). He later became AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, after leading a special covert operation in Kwara State.
