President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday charged the newly decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Disu, to improve the Nigeria Police Force and restore public confidence amid rising security challenges across the country.

The President decorated Disu with his new rank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, describing his appointment as coming at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security landscape. He expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to tackle banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.

“I expect you to make the Force better than you met it,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria is currently facing serious security challenges, and I am confident you have the capacity to lead effectively.”

Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu said he was familiar with Disu’s dedication and professionalism during his service in Lagos. He urged the new police chief to strengthen discipline within the Force, promote inter-agency collaboration, and prioritise the safety of lives and property.

“Lead firmly but fairly. Demand professionalism at every level and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police,” the President added, assuring Disu of his full support in advancing the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda.

Tinubu also encouraged him to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony. He commended Egbetokun for his service, thanking him for his commitment and leadership.

“You have served with dedication and distinction. The nation appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” Tinubu said, adding that the success of Disu would also reflect positively on his predecessor’s legacy.

In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, declaring zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct within the Force.

“The era of impunity is over,” he said. “We will enforce discipline and uphold human rights. Corruption will not be tolerated at any level.”

He stressed that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate stakeholders in policing, noting that no police institution can succeed without public cooperation.

“The citizens are our bosses. We must earn their trust through professionalism and accountability,” he said.

Earlier, Egbetokun expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership, stating that he had invested in grooming capable successors and believed Disu would surpass his achievements.

Disu’s appointment followed Egbetokun’s resignation, reportedly due to personal reasons. However, presidency sources indicated that the former IGP stepped down after discussions with the President.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has served for over three decades in various operational and leadership roles. He gained national recognition as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, where the unit won the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.

He later headed the Intelligence Response Team in 2021 and served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, before his elevation.

Although Disu was due for retirement in April 2026 upon attaining 60 years, the amended Police Act allows an Inspector-General of Police to serve a four-year term irrespective of age, meaning he could remain in office until 2030, subject to confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate.

Upon returning from the Presidential Villa, Disu formally assumed duty at the Force Headquarters, where he took his first salute as Acting IGP and proceeded to the official handover ceremony.

In his maiden address to senior officers, he outlined three key priorities: professionalism and modernisation, accountability and integrity, and strengthened community partnership. He pledged to adopt intelligence-led policing, improve training and welfare, and reinforce internal disciplinary mechanisms.

“We must reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted and people-oriented institution,” he said. “Anyone who abuses the badge will face the full weight of our disciplinary processes, regardless of rank.”

He called on Nigerians to support the Force by reporting crimes, cooperating with officers, and holding the institution accountable in line with the rule of law.