Nigeria’s policing landscape entered a new chapter on February 24, 2026, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
Disu’s appointment, which took immediate effect, was formally sealed at a brief but symbolic ceremony at the State House, Abuja, where the President decorated him with his new rank. The event, held around 4pm in the President’s office, was attended by key members of the Federal Government’s security and political leadership, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu was 59 at the time of his appointment , just 48 days shy of the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, under the amended Police Act, which grants Inspectors-General a four-year tenure regardless of age, he may remain in office until 2030 if confirmed as substantive IGP by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate. If confirmed, he would become the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police.
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A career officer with over 33 years of service, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. His policing journey spans operational, intelligence and leadership roles across the country. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, and another Master’s degree in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from LASU.
Disu is widely recognised for his tenure as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad between 2015 and 2021, where he led reforms that reshaped the unit’s image and operations. Under his leadership, officers were rebranded as “The Good Guys,” community-oriented policing was strengthened, and strategies such as crime mapping, hotspot policing and first-aid training were introduced. The RRS earned multiple regional awards during this period.
He later served as Head of the Intelligence Response Team, succeeding Abba Kyari, and handled several high-profile operations against organised crime. His senior command postings include Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. Before his elevation, he was Principal Staff Officer to the former IGP and later headed the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
Speaking after his decoration, Disu described his appointment as unexpected and deeply emotional. He thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, saying the President’s remarks on his career almost brought him to tears.
More importantly, the new Acting IGP sent a strong message to officers and the public alike. He declared that the era of impunity within the police was over, promising zero tolerance for corruption, strict adherence to human rights, and firm discipline. He said the welfare of police officers would be a top priority, stressing that a motivated force was critical to effective policing.
Disu also emphasised that citizens must be at the centre of policing, declaring that “the citizen of the country is the boss.” He said public cooperation was non-negotiable and pledged to strengthen partnerships with communities. On security challenges, he vowed to confront banditry and other crimes head-on while sharpening the force’s operational focus.
Reacting to the appointment, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated Disu, describing the appointment as well deserved. He praised Disu’s professionalism and leadership, particularly his impact while leading the RRS, and expressed confidence that he would bring accountability and effectiveness to the Nigeria Police Force.
As Disu assumes office at a critical moment, expectations are high that his experience, reform-driven mindset and firm tone will translate into a police force that is more disciplined, citizen-focused and capable of restoring public trust.
