The Nigeria Police Council has formally approved the appointment of Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the country’s substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), setting the stage for his official swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu later this week.
The decision was reached unanimously at a meeting held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the inauguration ceremony will take place during Wednesday’s session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
High-Level Attendance at Council Meeting
The council session was presided over by President Tinubu and attended by key government officials in line with constitutional provisions. Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, and several state governors.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
Appointment Follows Egbetokun’s Exit
Disu’s confirmation comes after President Tinubu appointed him in an acting capacity following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun. With the council’s endorsement now secured, Disu is set to assume full leadership of the Nigeria Police Force at a time when security challenges remain a top national priority.
Governors, Officials Applaud Choice
Several governors and senior officials used the opportunity to commend the appointment, describing it as merit-based and reflective of Disu’s extensive professional record.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Disu’s performance during his tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos from 2015 to 2021. Under his leadership, the RRS gained recognition for strengthening crime prevention strategies and improving rapid operational response across the state.
Similarly, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule described the appointment as well-deserved, pointing to Disu’s distinguished service record and disciplined approach to policing.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also lauded the incoming IGP’s professionalism. Disu previously served in Rivers State as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department and later headed the anti-kidnapping unit between 2014 and 2015. He subsequently became Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory Command, where he was credited with enhancing strategic security operations and addressing crime trends within Abuja.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah formally seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment during the council meeting.
A Career Marked by Professional Growth
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over more than three decades of service, he has risen through the ranks while undertaking advanced training in public administration, criminology, forensic investigation, legal psychology, security studies, and entrepreneurship.
Before his elevation to acting IGP, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex in Lagos. Throughout his career, he has held several operational, investigative, and strategic leadership roles across the country.
With his confirmation now secured, attention turns to Wednesday’s formal swearing-in, where Disu will officially assume the mantle as Nigeria’s top cop, tasked with steering police reforms and strengthening internal security nationwide.
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