President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday approved the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun from the top position in the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year tenure expected to run until June 2027 under the amended Police Act, stepped down citing pressing family considerations.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged receipt of the resignation and commended the outgoing police chief for his service and dedication to national security.
Before his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
His appointment could trigger adjustments within the senior hierarchy of the Force, as tradition often sees senior officers retire when a junior officer is named Inspector-General. Though not backed by law, the practice reflects the police institution’s long-standing emphasis on seniority and order.
Several serving Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) may therefore be affected by the leadership transition.
Among them is Frank Mba, a former Force spokesperson who rose through the ranks from Inspector to Assistant Inspector-General and has received international recognition, including a United Nations peacekeeping medal for service in Liberia.
Also on the list is Mohammed Gumel, the DIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, known for his advocacy of community policing and his recent assumption of office at Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Others include Adebola Hamzat, DIG in charge of Logistics and Supply; Yahaya Abubakar, who heads the Department of Finance and Administration; and Basil Idegwu, the DIG responsible for Research and Planning and strategic policy development within the Force.
Further senior officers whose positions may come under review include Bzigu Kwazhi, DIG Operations with extensive field command experience; Idris Abubakar, a senior officer with academic expertise in psychology and education; and Adebowale Williams, who oversees the Force’s Information and Communication Technology Department.
The development signals a potentially significant reshuffle at the highest levels of the Nigeria Police Force as the new acting Inspector-General settles into office.