President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun from the apex position.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that Kayode Egbetokun was appointed on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; his tenure became contentious due to statutory retirement provisions.
Under Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, an officer is to retire upon attaining 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.
Egbetokun turned 60 on September 4, 2024. However, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in July 2024 to allow the IGP to complete a four-year term expected to end in June 2027 regardless of age or years of service.
ENigeria Newspaper further understands that the controversial former Inspector General of Police reportedly stepped down, citing pressing family considerations, after consistent backlash that greeted his continued stay in office beyond the statutory time as originally stipulated in the constitution.
Confirming the development, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged receipt of the resignation letter and expressed appreciation for Egbetokun’s service to the country.
Until his recent elevation, Tunji Disu served as AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Implications of Tunji Disu’s Appointment for Senior Officers
Within the Nigeria Police Force, it is an established convention, though not a statutory requirement, that senior officers retire when a junior officer is appointed Inspector-General of Police. The practice reflects longstanding institutional respect for hierarchy and seniority within the Force.
With Disu’s appointment, several Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) who are senior in rank have now been forced into retirement regardless of their age and years of service.
Frank Mba vs. Tunji Disu: Seniority Background
Records obtained exclusively by ENigeria Newspaper indicate that both Frank Mba and Tunji Disu were members of Course 17/1992. While Mba joined as a Cadet Inspector, Disu entered as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). But over the years, Mba rose rapidly through the ranks, benefiting from successive promotions.
Observers note that questions of seniority and promotion within the Force often generate debate, particularly at ranks above Commissioner of Police, where appointments are influenced by administrative and political considerations.
Both officers are widely regarded as experienced professionals. Disu previously served as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) from June 2015 to August 2021, a period during which the unit recorded notable operational visibility.
Profiles of Affected Deputy Inspectors General
Frank Mba
Frank Mba began his policing career as an Inspector before being promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1999. He advanced steadily through the ranks: Deputy Superintendent (2003), Superintendent (2008), Chief Superintendent (2012), Assistant Commissioner (2014), Deputy Commissioner (2018), Commissioner of Police (2020), and Assistant Inspector-General in March 2023.
He has served three times as National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force and received the United Nations Medal for his service with the Nigeria Police Contingent to the UN Mission in Liberia (2006–2007).
Mohammed Gumel
Mohammed Gumel, on his part, serves as Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), the intelligence-gathering arm of the Nigeria Police Force. He assumed duty in late 2025/early 2026.
Gumel is known for his advocacy of community policing and was recognized as Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024). He holds the designations FIPMA and PSC.
Adebola Hamzat
Adebola Hamzat is the Deputy Inspector-General overseeing the Department of Logistics and Supply. Appointed in March 2025, he supervises procurement, works, housing, and quartermaster operations for the Force.
Before his promotion, he served as AIG in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, and previously as Commissioner of Police in Oyo State. He also led the Counter Terrorism Unit.
Yahaya Abubakar
Yahaya Abubakar heads the Department of Finance and Administration at Force Headquarters. Promoted to DIG in 2024, he oversees budgeting, financial management, human resources, and administrative functions of the Force.
He previously served in senior leadership roles, including Assistant Inspector-General and Zone Commander.
Basil Idegwu
Basil Idegwu leads the Department of Research and Planning. Appointed in March 2025, he is responsible for strategic planning and policy development within the Force.
He holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Studies and focuses on modernization and standardization initiatives.
Bzigu Kwazhi
Bzigu Kwazhi serves as DIG in charge of Operations. He coordinates nationwide operational activities, including joint security operations and election security.
He has previously served as Commissioner of Police in Osun and Akwa Ibom States and has led security interventions in Plateau and Adamawa States.
Idris Abubakar
Idris Abubakar joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet ASP in May 1992. He holds a B.Sc. in Education from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, an M.Sc. in Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Abuja.
Adebowale Williams
Adebowale Williams heads the Department of Information and Communication Technology at Force Headquarters. His department oversees digital systems, technological infrastructure, and modernization initiatives within the Force.
Looking Ahead
While no official retirement announcements have yet been issued, precedent suggests that senior officers who are superseded by the appointment of a junior Inspector-General often opt for retirement.
Observers will be watching closely as the new Acting Inspector-General begins his tenure and outlines his strategic direction for the Nigeria Police Force.
