President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday tasked the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with restoring peace and reinforcing security across Nigeria.
Speaking during the swearing-in and decoration ceremony at the State House in Abuja, the president expressed confidence in Disu’s capacity to lead the Nigeria Police Force at what he described as a critical period for the nation.
“For you to assume this responsibility, I know your record,” Tinubu said. “I believe in the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor.” Disu apart from serving as ADC to then governor Tinubu was the commander of RRS.
He described Disu’s appointment as coming at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security landscape, urging him to strengthen discipline within the force, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in policing.
“You assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security. I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration and restore peace,” the president said.
Tinubu further charged the new police chief to lead with firmness and fairness, while prioritising professionalism and the safety of lives and property.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word; you have my full support,” he added.
The president noted that Nigeria continues to face serious threats, including banditry and terrorism, but expressed optimism that the country would overcome them through strategic thinking and innovation.
He also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, thanking him for his service and contributions to maintaining law and order.
In his response, Disu expressed gratitude to the president for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as unexpected.
“It came at a time I was not expecting it. I thank the president for finding me fit to be appointed as Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
He told State House correspondents that Tinubu’s remarks about his career were deeply moving and challenged him to uphold the standards for which he is known.
Disu pledged to prioritise citizens’ welfare and professionalism within the force, emphasising that public cooperation is essential to effective policing.
“I’m going to let my men know that the citizens are the bosses. No police anywhere can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he said.
He also vowed to enforce zero tolerance for corruption and impunity, while upholding human rights standards.
“I will ensure they follow human rights and maintain a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” Disu assured.
Acknowledging the prevailing security challenges, the acting IGP promised to boost officers’ morale and channel their efforts toward combating insurgency and other criminal threats across the country.