Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, on Wednesday assumed duty following his decoration by President Bola Tinubu.
Disu took his first salute from members of the Quarter Guard and police officers at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters after returning from the Presidential Villa at about 4:25 p.m., before proceeding to the official handover ceremony.
His assumption of office followed the resignation of former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down on Tuesday, citing family reasons. Egbetokun, appointed on June 19, 2023, attended the ceremony alongside Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.
In his remarks, Disu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, expressing optimism about the Force’s ability to address prevailing security challenges.
He said the Nigeria Police Force is endowed with “brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience” have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations.
The Acting IG, however, acknowledged existing institutional challenges, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps, and instances of misconduct.
“These are truths we must confront with resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.
Disu outlined three priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
On professionalism, he said the Force would adopt intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools, and evidence-based practices, adding that officers would be better trained and equipped.
Addressing accountability, Disu declared that impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership.
“I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over. 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, including those closest to me,” he said.
“I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable. We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.”
On community partnership, Disu stressed that effective policing requires collaboration with the public, noting that community policing would be central to Force operations.
He urged officers to uphold integrity, compassion, and courage in the discharge of their duties, while assuring them of improved welfare and dignified working conditions.
Disu also called on Nigerians to support the police by reporting crimes, engaging constructively with officers, and holding the institution accountable where necessary.
