February 25, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, declared on Wednesday that the “era of impunity is over” within the Nigeria Police Force.
President Bola Tinubu formally decorated him with his new rank and mandated him to confront banditry, terrorism, and rising insecurity across the country.
The decoration and swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House Council Chamber in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marked Disu’s assumption of office as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police in the presence of top government officials, security chiefs, and members of his family.
Charging the new police chief, President Tinubu emphasized discipline, professionalism, and improved inter-agency cooperation as critical to restoring public confidence in law enforcement amid escalating security challenges.
“For you to assume this responsibility, it is because I know your record,” the President said, recalling Disu’s service during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
“You assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” he added.
Tinubu urged the Acting IGP to lead firmly but fairly, insisting that protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of the Force.
He assured Disu of full presidential backing to advance the administration’s Renewed Hope security agenda.
Describing the new police chief as disciplined, straightforward, and operationally experienced, the President encouraged him to build on existing reforms and draw lessons from his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, while improving policing standards nationwide.
Highlighting Nigeria’s battles with banditry, insurgency, and organized crime, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Disu’s operational background would foster innovation and strengthen national security outcomes.
Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the ceremony, Disu expressed gratitude to the President, describing his appointment as both unexpected and deeply humbling.
“The appointment means a lot to me because I love my profession and my country,” he said, adding that the President’s remarks about his career achievements challenged him to deliver lasting peace and stability.
Outlining his vision for the Force, the Acting IGP pledged strict enforcement of discipline and respect for human rights, alongside a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“The citizens of this country are the boss. No police organisation anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of the public. I will ensure officers understand that impunity is over,” Disu declared.
He said priority would be given to training, ethical reorientation, and improved engagement with communities to rebuild trust between citizens and the police.
Addressing insecurity, Disu acknowledged the sacrifices of officers across the country and pledged to boost morale and coordination to better tackle banditry and insurgency.
“The country is facing serious challenges, but police officers are hardworking people. My responsibility is to channel their efforts and improve operational effectiveness,” he added.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing IGP Egbetokun expressed confidence in his successor, describing Disu as a trusted officer he mentored over the years and one capable of surpassing his achievements.
“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I am happy that one of them has been found most suitable for the job,” he said, urging continuity in intelligence coordination and inter-agency collaboration.
With his appointment, Disu assumes leadership of the Nigeria Police Force at a time of heightened public expectations for accountability, professionalism, and decisive action against insecurity nationwide.
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