Leadership Shake-Up in Nigeria’s Police Force: New Acting IGP Appointed Amid Retirement Wave
In a significant shift within Nigeria’s police hierarchy, the appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu is expected to prompt the retirement of approximately eight deputy inspectors-general and several senior assistant inspectors-general. This transition follows the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing urgent family matters.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted Egbetokun’s resignation earlier this week, with the president expressing gratitude for the former IGP’s long-standing service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. Egbetokun, who had been in office since June 2023, was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, as per amendments made to the Police Act.
In an official announcement, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga confirmed the appointment of Disu as the new acting IGP, effective immediately. This change comes as part of the customary practices within the police force, which typically sees deputy inspectors-general retire alongside the incoming IGP.
Experts suggest that the new leadership could lead to an overhaul of senior officers. Retired AIG Ademola Jonathan noted that it’s standard procedure for the entire command structure to adjust with the appointment of a new IGP. Consequently, this shift may force some senior officers to retire either voluntarily or involuntarily to facilitate smoother operations under Disu’s command.
Who is Olatunji Disu?
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Acting IGP Disu has extensive experience in various leadership roles within the Nigeria Police Force. He was appointed AIG in March 2025 and previously served as the commissioner of police for both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Currently, he will serve in an acting capacity until formally confirmed.
Disu’s professional background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and two Master’s degrees—one in Public Administration and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology. He has undergone numerous training courses, honing his expertise in critical areas such as forensic investigations and strategic leadership.
In 2021, he was appointed to lead the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a role he took on following the suspension of a predecessor. His deep-seated history within the police force has drawn both optimism and skepticism regarding his future effectiveness in combating Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.
Concerns from Civil Society
Despite the change in leadership, not everyone is optimistic about the appointment. The civil society organization Visionary Leaders Consensus (VLC) has publicly criticized the move, raising concerns that Disu’s impending retirement in 2026 and the subsequent forced exit of numerous senior officers could lead to instability in the police force.
According to VLC representatives, such a leadership change, especially with the expected resignation of around 29 senior officers, including 16 assistant inspectors-general, could disrupt critical operations and impair the institutional memory of the force. The organization cautioned that the current tumultuous landscape surrounding police leadership could bring about more harm than good.
Some voices from the political landscape echoed similar sentiments. The Middle Belt Forum has described Egbetokun’s tenure as ineffective, lacking significant innovation or reform. They have indicated that they do not foresee any substantial improvements under Disu.
Moving Forward
As Nigeria grapples with serious security issues, the implications of Disu’s appointment are yet to unfold. The presidency has announced plans for a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally ratify Disu’s position, following which his name will be sent to the Senate for further confirmation. This procedural requirement raises questions about the timeline, particularly given Disu’s limited time in office before reaching mandatory retirement age.
In light of these swirling uncertainties, experts are urging the government to construct a more stable transition process that preserves the integrity and efficiency of the police workforce. With pressing security challenges at hand, Nigeria’s police leadership needs to foster confidence both within the ranks and among the public.
As the nation awaits further developments, the focus remains on how the leadership changes will impact not only the police force but also the broader security landscape in Nigeria.
— Reported by Nexio News
