*DIGs Likely To Retire
LAGOS State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Olatunji Disu on his appointment as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu had on Tuesday, February 24, appointed Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) as the acting IGP, following the forced resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
The President, in statement on Tuesday evening signed by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said: “In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector General of Police, with immediate effect.
“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council (NPC) 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.”
In his reaction, Sanwo-Olu, said the elevation of Disu to the position of acting IGP was well deserved, considering his high level professionalism, competence and contribution to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for over three decades.
The governor, in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described Disu’s appointment as an honour to Lagos State, expressing confidence that he will excel in his new position, considering his competence, capacity and track record of good leadership as a seasoned professional and administrator who has distinguished himself in several positions in the past.
Sanwo-Olu stated: “I congratulate Olatunji Disu on his appointment as the Acting Inspector General of Police. His elevation to the position of number one police officer in Nigeria is an honour done to us in Lagos State.
“Disu has served and displayed exceptional leadership in the Nigeria Police Force for over three decades. He has a good track record of performance at the state, national and international levels in all the assignments given to him.
“Having worked in various Commands, Formations and Departments of the Police across the country, particularly as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), known as ‘Good Boys’ during his tenure in Lagos State, I believe in Disu’s capacity to deliver on the new mandate to secure Nigeria.
“I am confident that Disu will bring his wealth of experience, garnered over three decades, to bear on his new assignment to meet the expectations of Nigerians for a competent, accountable, transparent, courageous and trustworthy police force in the country.”
Disu was promoted to the rank of AIG last year.
Before then, he served as Commissioner of Police (CP) in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, he enlisted into the NPF on May 18, 1992 and had served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in several locations, including Ago Iwoye in Ogun State, Ikare and Owo in Ondo State, as well as Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.
He commanded SARS in Ondo, Oyo State and Rivers states, later as second in command (2IC) of the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Rivers State, as well as Officer in Charge of the Command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad and anti-kidnapping operations.
In 2005, as contingent commander, he led the first Police contingent to the African Union (AU) Mission in Sudan on a peacekeeping assignmen and was acting Chief of Staff before returning to Nigeria in 2006.
He succeeds Egbetokun, who was appointed as the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023, following his confirmation on October 31 that year.
Egbetokun’s tenure was dotted by controversies, including over his extended stay in office, which drew public criticism.
Under Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, the former IGP, who was born on September 4, 1964, was expected to retire in September 2024 upon attaining the age of 60.
His tenure was, however, extended beyond the mandatory retirement limits of 60 years of age or 35 years of service, prompting sustained criticism from civil society groups, activist and politician, Omoleye Sowore, who regarded him as ‘illegal IGP,’ among others, who argued that the extension breached established Police service regulations and weakened institutional discipline.
The National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill in July 2024 to allow a person appointed as IGP to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
In Nigeria, it is a standard practice for senior Police officers to retire when a junior colleague is appointed IGP, to reflect the Force’s strong respect for hierarchy, seniority, and organisational stability, although this is not legally mandatory.
Disu’s appointment may bring an end to the careers of Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) Frank Mba; Mohammed Gumel; Adebola Hamzat; Yahaya Abubakar; Basil Idegwu; Bzigu Kwazhi; Idris Abubakar; and Adebowale Williams, among others.
