President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday before the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
IGP Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 24 following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday.
During the ceremony, Disu took the oath of office before Vice President Kashim Shettima, cabinet members and other officials.
President Tinubu also administered oaths to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Speaking to correspondents after the ceremony, Disu addressed national security concerns, including potential protests linked to global tensions.
He said the police are aware of groups and sects in Nigeria and their potential external influences. He added that the force is on high alert, with patrols and measures to ensure officers act within the law.
On state police, Disu said, “It has come to stay. The police are not opposed but see it as a partnership opportunity. We will work with the federal structure to ensure security at all levels.”
He also spoke about human rights and leadership, saying, “Authority must be exercised with restraint. Every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and justice. The Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad will operate independently to strengthen oversight within the Force.”
Tinubu, speaking at the ceremony, urged Disu to “make the police better than you met it” and to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu responded, “We will enforce zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses. Discipline and accountability will guide all operations. We will end impunity and ensure officers act within the law.”
Disu, 59, joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Before he was appointed IGP, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos.
He previously served as Aide-de-Camp to President Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.
During Monday’s Police Council meeting, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Disu for his work as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos between 2015 and 2021.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule endorsed his appointment, citing his career record, while FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike recalled his service in the Criminal Investigation Department and anti-kidnapping unit. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also endorsed the appointment.
Tunji Disu’s confirmation comes a week after he was appointed acting IGP, following Egbetokun’s resignation, which cited family reasons, though reports suggest it followed disagreements over VIP security duties, state policing and internal police matters.
