… Orders immediate push to restore peace nationwide
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday formally swore in and decorated Olatunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police, charging him to urgently restore peace, strengthen internal security and rebuild public confidence in the nation’s policing system.
At the ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, the President declared that the new police chief assumes office at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security trajectory, amid persistent threats of banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across parts of the country.
“For you to assume this responsibility, I know your record,” Tinubu said, expressing confidence in Disu’s competence and leadership capacity.
He recalled the officer’s performance during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, noting that his dedication and professionalism had been closely observed.
Describing the appointment as strategic and timely, the President said the task before the new Acting IGP was both urgent and enormous.
He directed him to strengthen discipline within the Force, deepen inter-agency collaboration and ensure that the protection of lives and property remains paramount.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
He further urged Disu to lead the Force firmly but fairly, insisting on professionalism at all levels and rebuilding citizens’ trust in law enforcement.
“It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word; you have my full support,” the President assured.
Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria must overcome its security challenges through innovation, strategic thinking and coordinated action, expressing optimism that the country would ultimately prevail.
In the same breath, the President paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commending his service and contributions to maintaining law and order.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” Tinubu said.
In his response, Disu described his appointment as unexpected and humbling, thanking the President for the confidence reposed in him. He noted that Tinubu’s personal remarks about his professional history were deeply moving and reflective of a leader who pays close attention to the performance of officers nationwide.
“It shows the president took his time to monitor officers working across the country. It is a challenge for me to do what I am known for,” he said.
Addressing journalists after the ceremony, the new Acting IGP pledged to prioritise citizens’ welfare, professionalism and ethical conduct within the Force. He underscored that effective policing cannot succeed without public cooperation.
“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,” Disu declared.
He promised a regime of zero tolerance for corruption, impunity and human rights violations, vowing to enforce strict adherence to professional standards.
“I will ensure they follow human rights and maintain a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” he said.
Acknowledging the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges, including insurgency and organised crime, Disu assured Nigerians that he would boost morale within the Force and strategically channel officers’ efforts towards achieving measurable improvements in national security.
“All I need to do is channel their morale and thoughts to make things better,” he added.
With the formal swearing-in, expectations are high that the new Acting IGP will move swiftly to reposition the Nigeria Police Force and deliver on the President’s mandate to restore peace and stability across the country.
