Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to officially swear in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This development follows the unanimous endorsement of Disu’s appointment by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC), during its meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, as confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Background to the Appointment
Olatunji Disu’s journey to the top echelon of the Nigeria Police Force began with his appointment as Acting IGP on February 25, 2026, following the resignation of the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. His confirmation by the NPC, a body constitutionally mandated to ratify such appointments, solidifies his position as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
The NPC meeting, which ratified Disu’s appointment, was presided over by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Key attendees included Vice President Kashim Shettima, several state governors, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, among other dignitaries.
Commendations and Career Profile
During the NPC meeting, several state governors lauded President Tinubu’s choice, highlighting Disu’s exemplary career record and professionalism. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Disu for his outstanding service, particularly during his tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos between 2015 and 2021, where he earned recognition for his excellence in crime control.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, also praised the appointment, emphasizing that Disu’s selection was based on his distinguished career. Similarly, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had previously worked with Disu when the latter served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department and anti-kidnapping unit in Rivers State (2014-2015), and later as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command, lauded his efficiency as a crime fighter.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, seconded the motion endorsing the appointment, further underscoring the broad support for Disu.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Olatunji Disu, 59, joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
He holds a diverse range of qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship. These credentials, according to the Presidency, reflect his commitment to modern, knowledge-driven policing.
Prior to his current role, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex in Lagos. Notably, Disu also served under President Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor from 1999 to 2007, where he was an Aide-de-Camp while Egbetokun was the Chief Security Officer.
Implications for National Security
Disu’s swearing-in marks a new chapter for the Nigeria Police Force. His extensive experience in various capacities, coupled with the commendations from state governors, suggests a strong foundation for addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
The focus will now be on how his leadership will translate into tangible improvements in national security, crime prevention, and public trust in the police force.