President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Mr Tunji Disu with the rank of Acting Inspector-General of Police at the State House, Abuja, formally marking his elevation as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
His swearing-in ceremony, which preceded his decoration, was attended by senior government officials.
The new IGP succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, who resigned on Tuesday, citing personal family reasons.
Disu’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate, in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.
A meeting of the Nigeria Police Council is also expected to consider his nomination for substantive appointment.
Speaking with journalists after his decoration as acting IGP, Disu said his appointment came to him as a surprise.
He said, “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimity in seeing me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of police.
The president mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears.
“It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition and code to the country.”
Tunji Disu, who said he would give priority to the welfare of his men to motivate them for optimal performance, however, said he was determined to curb impunity and corruption in the Police Force.
He said, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights.
“I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.
“I will mention, importantly, again, the country is facing a particular problem now, issue of mandatory insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hard working people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make anything better. I appreciate that.“