By Barth Ikiebe
The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this to newsmen after the council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, which lasted about 40 minutes.
“Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga stated.
Monday’s gathering began at about 2:15 pm when Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber.
The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment.
In its statement announcing the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun last Tuesday, the Presidency had indicated that the council would be convened shortly.“
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,” Onanuga said in the statement.
The Police Council is chaired by the President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Those who attended the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, and Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.
Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s exit.
■ Short Profile of IGP Disu
Olatunji Disu, the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, is a seasoned officer with over three decades of experience in the Nigeria Police Force.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu joined the police force on May 18, 1992, and has held various leadership roles nationwide.
■ Career Highlights
Commander of Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS): Disu led the RRS from 2015 to 2021, rebranding officers as “The Good Guys” and focusing on community policing.
● Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT): Appointed by former IGP Usman Alkali Baba in 2021, Disu led the IRT in dismantling organised crime syndicates.
● Commissioner of Police: Disu served in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
■ Agenda for the Nigeria Police Force:
Disu’s agenda may include:
● Restoring Public Confidence: Rebuilding trust between the police and citizens, addressing police brutality and accountability concerns.
● Intelligence-led Policing: Strengthening the Force Intelligence Bureau and integrating data systems to combat organized crime.
● Police Reform: Implementing structural changes, potentially including state police and constitutional reforms.
