Police Council Endorses Olatunji Disu as Substantive IGP

The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

NaijaChoice News reports that Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development to our correspondent shortly after the council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, which lasted about 40 minutes on Monday.

“Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga stated.

The meeting, which commenced around 2:15 pm upon the arrival of President Tinubu at the Council Chamber, was held in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which mandates the Police Council to consider such appointments.

This endorsement follows the recent resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which the Presidency announced last week. In a statement at the time, Onanuga had indicated that the council would be convened promptly to formalise Disu’s position, who was earlier appointed in acting capacity.

“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” Onanuga had said then.

The Police Council is chaired by the President and includes all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was reported to have seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.

Who is Olatunji Disu?

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, and Master’s degrees in Public Administration as well as Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology.

The 59-year-old officer has a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He served notably as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) between 2015 and 2021, a tenure that earned widespread acclaim for significant improvements in crime control and operational efficiency in the state. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had publicly commended Disu for his exemplary service during that period.

Prior to his elevation, Disu was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. He also held key roles such as Divisional Police Officer in commands across Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers states, and led critical intelligence and investigative units.

Stakeholders view his appointment as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police as bringing fresh impetus to the fight against insecurity across the country, building on his track record in urban policing, intelligence-led operations, and community-oriented strategies.

President Tinubu is expected to formally swear in Disu during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.