The appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police has stirred debate within security and legal circles, largely because of his proximity to the statutory retirement age at the time of his promotion.
Recall ENigeria Newspaper reported that President Bola Tinubu announced Mr Disu’s appointment on 24 February following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
However, attention quickly shifted from the transition itself to the timeline: Mr Disu, born 13 April 1966, was just 48 days away from turning 60 which is the mandatory retirement age for officers under existing police regulations.
Nigeria’s police rules stipulate that officers must retire upon attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first. Mr Disu, who enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in May 1992, would have reached the age threshold before completing 35 years in service. His new position, however, potentially resets the clock.
Recent amendments to the Police Act allow an Inspector-General of Police to serve a full four-year tenure irrespective of age or years already served, unless removed by the president or resigned. The same legal adjustment enabled Mr Egbetokun to remain in office beyond his 60th birthday before stepping down this week.
Political observers argue that appointing an officer so close to retirement raises questions about succession planning, morale within the force and adherence to institutional timelines. Supporters counter that the law now clearly permits a four-year tenure for any duly appointed IGP, making the decision legally defensible.
Beyond the debate lies Mr Disu’s record. A career officer of over three decades, he has held operational, investigative and administrative roles across several states. He previously led tactical and intelligence units, served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, and was recently an Assistant Inspector-General overseeing a major investigative formation in Lagos.
His academic background includes degrees in English Education, Public Administration and Criminology, alongside specialised training in intelligence and strategic policing.
Tunji Disu’s capacity as new Nigeria’s IGP takes place with immediate effect from yesterday, February 24th.
