President Bola Tinubu presided over a meeting of the Police Council on Monday that formally endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The endorsement paves the way for President Tinubu to transmit Disu’s nomination to the senate for final confirmation, in line with constitutional requirements and the Police Act 2020.
The council, which includes Governors of the 36 States and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) convened in a closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja following the resignation of the previous IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Among those present were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, alongside other statutory members including the chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Established under the Police Act 2020, the council provides strategic oversight on policing matters such as internal security policy, administration, budgeting and senior appointments, without meddling in day-to-day operations.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President confirmed the decision after the meeting.
The statement said IGP Disu will be sworn-in by President Tinubu on Wednesday.
Bayo said ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President’s appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike’s home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015. He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.
He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
The Acting Inspector-General has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide. His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
