President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday formally swore in Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, just before the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The ceremony marked a significant transition in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun. Disu had initially been appointed in an acting capacity on February 24 before his confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council on March 2.
In addition to the swearing-in of the new police chief, President Tinubu also administered oaths of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The event drew top government officials, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Esther Walson-Jack, alongside ministers, senior aides, and family members of the appointees.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, Disu addressed pressing national security concerns, including the possibility of protests influenced by global tensions.
He stated that the police are fully aware of various groups and sects operating within Nigeria and their potential external affiliations. According to him, the force is on high alert, with intensified patrols and strategic deployments across the country.
The new IGP assured Nigerians that officers have been directed to uphold professionalism and operate strictly within the law, stressing that the force will not tolerate misconduct or unlawful actions by its personnel.
On the ongoing debate over the establishment of state police, Disu declared that the initiative “has come to stay,” describing it as a complementary structure rather than a rival to the federal police system.
He dismissed fears that state police could undermine the Nigeria Police Force, noting that collaboration and partnership would strengthen internal security and improve grassroots policing.
THECABLE