Newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has admitted that his elevation to the top job came unexpectedly, saying he was unprepared for the appointment but deeply grateful for the opportunity.
Disu, who was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, barely 48 days before his scheduled retirement, described the moment as both surprising and emotional.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his swearing-in and decoration as the 23rd indigenous IGP, he said the development caught him off guard.
“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 to see me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police,” he stated.
The police chief revealed that the President’s remarks during the ceremony where Tinubu highlighted his career milestones, postings, and operational successes nearly moved him to tears.
“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,” Disu said.
He interpreted the commendation as more than praise, describing it as a call to action. According to him, it signaled that the President had closely monitored officers across the country and was entrusting him with a clear mandate.
“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 order to the country,” he added.
Outlining his priorities, Disu said his immediate focus would be the protection of citizens, improved welfare for officers, discipline within the ranks, and strengthened collaboration with the public.
“My top priority… I’m going to talk to them (police officers and men), let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss,” he declared.
He stressed that policing cannot succeed in isolation. “No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public. I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration, because people who are motivated put in their best.”
Disu also delivered a firm warning against misconduct, pledging to end impunity and promote accountability within the Force.
“The area 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,” he promised.
Reiterating the need for public partnership, he emphasized: “Most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”
Addressing the nation’s pressing security challenges, including banditry and insurgency, Disu acknowledged the efforts of officers currently in the field but said renewed direction and morale would be key.
“The country is facing a particular problem now, issue of banditry insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hardworking people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make things better. I appreciate that.”
With his unexpected appointment now formalized, Disu steps into office pledging reform, discipline, welfare support, and a policing model anchored on public trust and zero tolerance for corruption.
