By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Nigeria Police Council on Monday unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police, clearing the way for his formal swearing-in by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.
The Council meeting, presided over by President Tinubu, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in line with constitutional provisions.
Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
Disu’s appointment follows the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, prompting the President to name him as Acting IGP pending the Council’s ratification, which has now been secured.
Governors at the meeting spoke in strong support of the new police chief, citing his track record and professional competence.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Disu for what he described as exemplary service, particularly during his tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos between 2015 and 2021.
According to the governor, his leadership during that period earned both him and the RRS widespread recognition for excellence in crime control and rapid response operations.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State described the President’s decision as merit-based, noting that Disu’s career progression and operational record justified the confidence reposed in him.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, also lauded the new IGP’s professionalism and effectiveness, recalling his service in Rivers State as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department and as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit between 2014 and 2015.
Wike further referenced Disu’s subsequent role as Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, where he was credited with strengthening strategic security interventions within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment, which was adopted unanimously by the Council.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Over more than three decades of service, he has held key operational, investigative and strategic command positions across the country.
His last posting before the new appointment was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos.
Disu is widely regarded within policing circles as an officer with strong academic grounding, having obtained qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security studies, legal psychology and entrepreneurship — credentials viewed as aligning with contemporary, intelligence-driven policing models.
