Tunji Rilwan Disu has been decorated with his new rank as the acting Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
The ceremony of pinning the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, which took place at 4:00pm at the President’s office, had in attendance the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun; and Disu’s wife.
His appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
But, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain in office until 2030.
The ceremony comes about 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Egbetokun’s service, while announcing Disu’s appointment.
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga had stated.
However, multiple Presidency sources told our correspondent that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday evening at the Presidential Villa.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a highly placed official stated on condition of anonymity.
Egbetokun’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with number plate NPF-01, was parked at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa around 6:40 pm on Monday, the same time governors were arriving for an interfaith breaking of fast with the President.
Disu will remain IGP in an acting capacity until his confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council, in accordance with the Constitution.
Onanuga stated: “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.”