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“The Era of Impunity is Over”: Tinubu Hands Disu the Blueprint to Crush Banditry and Rebuild the Police

Nuus Editor

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially handed over the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to Olatunji Disu, decorating the 59-year-old as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP). During the high-profile ceremony at the State House on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the President issued a strict, uncompromising mandate: restore peace, crush banditry, and rebuild the fractured public trust in the police.

President Tinubu’s instruction to Olatunji Disu comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s security architecture, arriving barely 24 hours after the sudden resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family matters.

As the new Acting IGP sets up his command, the entire nation—and the criminal syndicates terrorising it—are watching closely to see how swiftly President Tinubu’s instructions translate into action on the streets.

The Presidential Mandate: “Lead Firmly But Fairly”

Speaking directly to the new police chief, President Tinubu expressed total confidence in Disu’s operational depth and discipline, recalling his stellar record as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos. He tasked the Acting IGP with aligning the force’s operations with the security pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Tackling Insecurity: “Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities,” the President declared. “You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them.”
  • Professionalism: Tinubu urged Disu to elevate the standard of the force. “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.”
  • Collaboration: The President also mandated Disu to enhance inter-agency collaboration, ensuring the police work seamlessly with other military and intelligence branches.

Disu Assumes Duty, Declares “Total War” on Impunity

Taking the baton as Nigeria’s 23rd indigenous IGP, Disu immediately assumed duty at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, later that afternoon. Responding to the President’s charge, the new police boss delivered a stern warning to his own officers, vowing to enforce a regime of zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.

“I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over,” Disu announced. “The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes. This applies at every rank, without exception.”

Disu outlined three core priorities for his tenure:

  1. Professionalism and Modernisation: Embracing intelligence-led policing, digital tools, and forensic investigations over intimidation and shortcuts.
  2. Accountability and Integrity: Strengthening internal oversight mechanisms to hold officers accountable to the rule of law.
  3. Community Partnership: Reorienting officers to practice citizen-centered policing. “One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men… is to let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss,” he stated.

A Historic Shift in Police Leadership

Disu’s appointment marks a massive structural shift within the force. The Lagos-born officer, who previously headed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the FCT, steps into the role just 48 days before his 60th birthday. However, under the recently amended Police Act, he is eligible to serve a full four-year tenure.

Following standard police tradition, Disu’s sudden elevation from Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and AIGs who currently outrank him.

As the new Acting IGP sets up his command, the entire nation—and the criminal syndicates terrorising it—are watching closely to see how swiftly President Tinubu’s instructions translate into action on the streets.