President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Mr Tunji Disu with the rank of Acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja, formally marking his elevation as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
His swearing-in ceremony, which preceded his decoration, was attended by senior government officials.
The new IGP succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, who resigned on Tuesday, citing personal family reasons.
A meeting of the Nigeria Police Council is also expected to consider his nomination for substantive appointment.
During his decoration ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu charged the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to restore peace and strengthen security across the country, saying he was confident in his record and experience.
“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” President Tinubu said.
He described the appointment as coming at a critical time and urged the new police chief to rebuild public confidence in the force and work closely with other security agencies.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President added.
President Tinubu called on Disu to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his discipline, operational experience and leadership.
“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the event with his spouse.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.
He urged Egbetokun to continue to support the force by offering advice to his successor.
“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy,” Tinubu stated.
The President called on all security stakeholders to work together to safeguard lives and property.
Speaking with journalists after his decoration as acting IGP, Disu said his appointment came to him as a surprise.
He said, “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity in seeing me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of police.
“The president mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears.
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“It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition and code to the country.”
Tunji Disu, who said he would give priority to the welfare of his men to motivate them for optimal performance, however, said he was determined to curb impunity and corruption in the Police Force.
He said, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights.
“I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.
“I will mention, importantly, again, the country is facing a particular problem now, issue of mandatory insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hard working people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make anything better. I appreciate that.“