By admin 
The newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday declared that the era of impunity in the Nigeria Police Force is over, pledging zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.
Disu made the declaration shortly after being decorated with his new rank by Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Addressing State House correspondents after the ceremony, the acting IGP emphasised that Nigerian citizens, not political office holders, are the ultimate authority over the police.
He said he would reorient officers and ensure strict adherence to human rights standards, while enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption within the Force.
According to him, public cooperation remains critical to effective policing, stressing that no police organisation can succeed without the trust and partnership of citizens.
Disu disclosed that one of his immediate priorities would be to address officers nationwide to reinforce the principles of citizen-centred policing.
He described his appointment as emotional, noting that President Tinubu’s detailed recount of his career achievements during the ceremony nearly moved him to tears. The acting IGP said the President’s remarks reflected close monitoring of officers’ performances and amounted to a challenge to deliver peace and stability across the country.
On welfare, Disu assured officers that their motivation would be prioritised, stating that improved welfare would enhance productivity and service delivery.
He also expressed confidence in the capacity of police personnel to tackle security challenges such as banditry and insurgency, pledging to boost morale and improve operational effectiveness.
The immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the decoration ceremony, expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership.
Egbetokun said both men shared a unique history and had benefited from President Tinubu’s mentorship dating back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
He described Disu as a competent officer who served in key roles during his administration, including as Principal Staff Officer, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Unit.
Egbetokun said he was confident that his successor would surpass his achievements and urged him to sustain reforms initiated during his tenure, particularly intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
The decoration ceremony, held at about 4:00 p.m. at the President’s office, was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior officials.
President Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu and commended Egbetokun for his service.
The event came less than 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family matters requiring his attention. However, Presidency sources indicated that he had been asked to step down during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening.
Disu’s appointment comes 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, under the Police Act 2020, Inspectors-General of Police are entitled to a four-year tenure regardless of age.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President would convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP, after which his name would be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
Disu’s emergence is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, in line with tradition when a junior officer is appointed IGP.
At least eight Deputy Inspectors-General at Force Headquarters, including DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply), DIG Mohammed Gumel (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams (ICT), and former Force spokesman DIG Frank Mba, may be affected.
Disu has also served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Prior to his elevation, he was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
He is expected to formally assume office at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, where a formal handover ceremony and parade of senior officers will be held.