The newly decorated Acting Inspector General of Police, AIG Olatunji Disu, has declared that the era of impunity, abuse of power, corruption, and unprofessional conduct within the Nigeria Police Force has come to an end.
Disu made the pledge shortly after his swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office following the resignation of the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, February 24.
Speaking to journalists immediately after the brief ceremony, Disu described his appointment as unexpected and deeply humbling. He revealed that President Tinubu’s detailed knowledge of his career achievements within the Force brought him close to tears during the meeting.
“The way the president was mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu said. “It shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition to the country.”
Disu, a former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and a seasoned officer with extensive experience in counter-terrorism, kidnapping investigations, and intelligence operations, assured Nigerians of a renewed focus on professionalism, accountability, and public trust.
He issued a clear directive to all officers and men of the Force:
Zero tolerance for abuse of power and corruption.
Strict adherence to human rights principles.
Mandatory training and retraining to reinforce professional standards.
Recognition that the police cannot succeed without active cooperation from members of the public.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance for corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” the acting IGP stated.
Disu’s appointment follows Egbetokun’s resignation, which the Presidency officially attributed to personal and family reasons. However, multiple sources within government circles confirmed that the former IGP was asked to step aside during a Monday evening meeting with President Tinubu at the Villa.
The new acting IGP is widely regarded within security circles for his operational track record, particularly in high-profile kidnapping rescues and intelligence-led operations against violent criminal networks. His elevation is seen by many as a deliberate signal from the presidency to prioritize results-oriented policing, improved public confidence, and stronger accountability mechanisms within the Force.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top security chiefs, members of the State Security Council, and senior police officers. President Tinubu is expected to forward Disu’s name to the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate for formal confirmation as substantive Inspector General in line with constitutional requirements.
Disu’s immediate priorities, according to aides, include strengthening community policing, improving officer welfare, enhancing intelligence gathering, and ensuring rapid response to violent crimes, kidnappings, and banditry—issues that have remained major public concerns across the country.
The acting IGP’s strong language on impunity and corruption is being interpreted as both a message to rank-and-file officers and a reassurance to a Nigerian public long frustrated by allegations of police brutality, extortion, and unprofessional conduct.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the new leadership at the Nigeria Police Force will play a critical role in election security, public order management, and maintaining neutrality amid heightened political activity.
Further statements from the Force Headquarters and the Presidency are expected in the coming days as Disu begins to outline his vision and strategic priorities.
