President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to prioritise the restoration of peace and strengthening of security nationwide, assured him of unwavering presidential support in carrying out his mandate.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the decoration of Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja. The appointment followed the retirement of Kayode Egbetokun and remained subject to ratification by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmation by the Senate of Nigeria, with the council expected to meet next week.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu said Disu’s appointment came at a critical period for national security, noting that his decision was informed by the officer’s proven professionalism, discipline, and record of service, particularly during his policing assignments in Lagos State.
The President urged the Acting IGP to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force by promoting professionalism, fairness, and closer collaboration with other security agencies. He emphasised that the protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of the police.
Describing the security challenges facing the country as daunting, Tinubu noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality, stressing the need for innovation, strategic thinking, and coordinated security responses.
He expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership capacity and tasked him with advancing the security pillars of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring him of the full backing of the Presidency.
The President also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General, Egbetokun, commending his contributions to maintaining law and order and urging him to continue offering guidance and support to his successor. According to Tinubu, the success of the incoming police leadership would also form part of Egbetokun’s enduring legacy.
Dignitaries present at the decoration ceremony included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; senior government officials; as well as members of the Acting IGP’s family.
