The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has a new helmsman, as Mr. Tunji Disu on Wednesday assumed office as the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Mr. Disu, 59, formally took over at a brief ceremony at Louis Edet House in Abuja, shortly after being decorated as acting IGP by President Bola Tinubu. His appointment was announced a day earlier.

Addressing senior officers, family members, and other guests at the handover, the former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS) pledged to deliver modern, professional, and accountable policing.

“My tenure will be built on three clear commitments: professionalism, modernism, and accountability,” Disu said.

He made clear his expectations of officers nationwide, insisting on the highest standards of conduct and performance.

“To all officers, I will demand the best from you because the people we serve deserve nothing less.

“Integrity, compassion, courage — these are not optional qualities; they are the job. But I make this promise in return: I will fight for your welfare, your dignity, and the conditions you need to serve effectively. You will not be asked to perform miracles with nothing,” the Lagos-born officer said.

“Leadership in this service, from this day forward, must be visible, accountable, and worthy of being followed.”

Although his appointment came as a surprise to many, Disu signalled that he was focused on the task ahead rather than the wave of congratulatory messages.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the end of a ceremony. This is the beginning of the work,” he said, while thanking President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.

Disu’s elevation followed the resignation of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun as IGP, who cited pressing family reasons for stepping down.

At the ceremony, Egbetokun urged his successor to consolidate on the gains recorded during his tenure.

“As I hand over to my successor — one chosen among the best — I do so with confidence in his competence, experience, and strategic capacity. The foundation has been reinforced; the system recapitulated; the reform trajectory clearly defined,” Egbetokun said.

“I charge him to consolidate these gains, deepen intelligence integration, and entrench community-centred policing as an enduring doctrine. Our progress must not pause; it must accelerate.”

Egbetokun highlighted milestones achieved under his leadership, including improved inter-agency collaboration and strengthened accountability mechanisms.

“We also prioritised officer welfare, ensuring promotion as at when due, strengthening insurance frameworks, expanding housing initiatives, and investing in capacity development,” he said.

“Public trust cannot be commanded by authority; it must be earned through integrity, transparency, and measurable results.”

He added that targeted operations during his tenure disrupted organised criminal kidnapping networks and contained violent criminal syndicates.

Earlier, at the decoration ceremony at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s capacity, recalling his performance in Lagos State.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level, and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President said.

Tinubu urged the new acting IGP to adopt innovative approaches in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

Until his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police last year.

Previously, he served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State before being deployed to the Federal Capital Territory as commissioner by Egbetokun.

Disu is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a former head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, a position previously held by Abba Kyari.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. Over the course of his career, he has served as Divisional Police Officer in several locations, including Ago Iwoye in Ogun State; Ikare and Owo in Ondo State; and Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.