The National Police Council has confirmed Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), formally ratifying his appointment as the nation’s 23rd police chief.
The Council, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and attended by state governors, endorsed Disu’s appointment at its meeting held on Monday at the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu had earlier, on February 24, appointed Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
READ ALSO: President Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu as Acting IGP
In line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act, the appointment required confirmation by the National Police Council before the assumption of office on a substantive basis.
Addressing Journalists on Monday after the Council’s meeting, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said Disu will now be sworn in as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Also speaking with Journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the Council carefully reviewed Disu’s records and was satisfied with his credentials and performance.
“At the deliberations, we went through his records, his performance in office and his recommendations, and the Council was glad to approve the recommendations for him to be appointed the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
On the expectations of the Council, AbdulRazaq noted that the new police chief faces significant responsibilities, particularly amid ongoing national conversations about state policing.
“He has his work cut out for him, especially in this age of talks about state police now. The challenges are there; he’s been through it. He did a major assignment with the Rapid Response in Lagos State and the FCT, so he has a record to show that he can perform.
“There is great expectation from the 36 states and the FCT, which he has to organise. We wish him all the best and we look forward to working with him,” the NGF chairman added.
Monday’s meeting followed last week’s resignation of former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
READ ALSO: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Resigns
Disu, a seasoned police officer with decades of operational and administrative experience, previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Unit (SPU).
His confirmation signals a formal transition in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force at a time of heightened security challenges across the country.
Joining the President at the meeting were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argung.
Present at the event were the Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governors of Kogi and Delta State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo and some other members of the cabinet were also present.