The newly appointed acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor Olatunji Disu, has declared a total war on corruption and banditry, promising to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for discipline, professionalism and public trust.
Disu spoke on Wednesday shortly after he was decorated with his new rank by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing State House correspondents after the ceremony, the acting police chief said the days of impunity within the Force were over. He vowed to enforce strict compliance with human rights standards while confronting corruption head on.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” Disu stated.
He stressed that policing must revolve around citizens, not political interests.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss. It’s very important for them to know that no police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he said.
On insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, Disu expressed confidence in officers across commands nationwide, noting that morale and proper direction would be key to improved results.
“I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hardworking people. All I need to do is channel their morale and their thoughts to make anything better,” he said.
The acting IGP described his appointment as emotional, recalling how the President referenced his career milestones during the decoration ceremony.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” he stated.
He added that the President’s remarks signalled a challenge to deliver peace and stability across the country.
Meanwhile, the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony, expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership, saying he invested in likely successors within the Force.
“I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun said.
Disu’s appointment comes barely 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026. However, under the amended Police Act 2020 which provides a four year tenure for Inspectors General of Police, he may remain in office until 2030 if confirmed as substantive IGP.
His emergence is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior officers, including Deputy Inspectors General and Assistant Inspectors General who are senior to him, in line with established police tradition.
