February 25, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officiated the decoration of Tunji Disu as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), signalling another major leadership shift at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, underscores the federal government’s intent to accelerate reforms and enhance operational effectiveness within the nation’s primary law enforcement institution.
President Tinubu, while presiding over the formal handover and investiture at the State House in Abuja, described Disu’s appointment as “timely and essential for strengthening internal security architecture nationwide.” The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling rising crime rates, expanding community-based policing, and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.
Tunji Disu, a seasoned police officer with decades of experience in both operational and administrative capacities, assumes the highest post in the Nigerian Police Force at a pivotal moment for national security. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy and holder of advanced degrees in criminology and public administration, Disu has held critical roles in strategic command and counter-terrorism deployments throughout his career.
His leadership credentials were further enhanced through previous assignments that included heading specialized tactical units and overseeing complex security operations in volatile regions across the country. Supporters in policing circles have hailed his appointment as signalling a departure from entrenched bureaucratic practices and a push toward merit-based leadership.
Government Mandate and National Security Agenda
In his address, President Tinubu tasked Acting IGP Disu with several strategic priorities, foremost of which is the revitalisation of the police force’s intelligence-gathering capabilities. This directive aims to strengthen preventive security measures and respond more proactively to evolving threats across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The president also emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies, improved welfare for police personnel, and serious efforts to tackle endemic corruption within the policing structure. According to Tinubu, the reforms are part of a broader national security blueprint designed to support economic growth, safeguard critical infrastructure, and protect citizens’ rights.
Reaction to Disu’s appointment has been mixed among political stakeholders and civil society groups. While some leaders in governance circles welcomed the move as an opportunity to inject fresh direction into Nigeria’s policing architecture, others maintained cautious optimism, calling for transparent performance metrics and clear accountability mechanisms.
Security analysts said the new acting IGP inherits significant challenges, including addressing kidnappings, communal conflicts, banditry, and urban crime surges in major cities. Many urged that the policy focus be placed on community engagement, enhanced training, and equipping police units with modern technology.
Acting IGP Disu’s ascension comes at a time when public trust in law enforcement has been strained by persistent accusations of brutality, inefficiency, and human rights violations. Supporters of reform argue that strategic leadership changes if backed by genuine structural reforms have the potential to alter the course of policing in Nigeria.
As Disu settles into his role, expectations remain high for measurable improvements in safety, professionalism, and the overall performance of the Nigeria Police Force. The months ahead will be critical in determining whether this appointment will indeed mark a new chapter for national security and law enforcement in one of Africa’s most populous nations.