Tinubu to acting IG Disu: Restore public confidence, end insecurity nationwide

President backs new police chief to tackle banditry, rebuild trust, and enforce professionalism amid rising national security concerns

Bola Tinubu has charged the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to restore peace across the country and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement, describing his appointment as coming at a critical moment for national security.

Speaking during the swearing-in and decoration ceremony at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, the president said Disu’s record of service and professionalism informed his decision to entrust him with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

“For you to assume this responsibility, I know your record,” Tinubu said. “I believe in the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor.”

He described the appointment as both an honour and a national responsibility, noting that Nigeria is facing complex and evolving security threats. According to him, the incoming police chief must strengthen discipline within the force, enhance collaboration with other security agencies, and take decisive steps to restore law and order.

“You assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the president said. “I expect you to strengthen discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore peace.”

Security challenges demand urgent leadership

Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime that have strained public confidence in the country’s security institutions. He emphasised that beyond operational success, restoring trust between citizens and the police must be a central priority of Disu’s leadership.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level, and ensure that safety of lives and property remains our highest priority,” Tinubu said. “You have my full backing.”

The president also noted that addressing insecurity would require innovation, strategic thinking, and improved morale among officers, stressing that national stability depends heavily on the effectiveness of the police force.

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Tinubu paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commending his service and contributions to maintaining law and order during his tenure.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order.”

Disu promises professionalism and zero tolerance for corruption

In his response, Disu expressed gratitude to the president for the confidence placed in him, admitting that the appointment came as a surprise but also as a call to greater responsibility.

“It came at a time I was not expecting it,” he said. “I thank the president for finding me fit to be appointed as Inspector-General of Police.”

He described Tinubu’s remarks about his career as deeply motivating and pledged to live up to expectations through transparent and accountable leadership.

Disu emphasised that his administration would prioritise the welfare of citizens and reposition the police force as a service-oriented institution. He stressed that public cooperation would be essential in improving security outcomes.

“I’m going to let my men know that the citizens are the bosses,” he said. “No police anywhere can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.”

He also promised to enforce strict discipline within the force and implement a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, misconduct, and human rights violations.

“I will ensure they follow human rights and maintain a regime of zero tolerance to corruption,” he added.

Disu acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges but expressed confidence that improved morale, professionalism, and strategic coordination would help the police respond more effectively.

“All I need to do is channel their morale and thoughts to make things better,” he said.

His appointment comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding stronger action against insecurity, with expectations that his leadership will mark a turning point in restoring safety and rebuilding trust in policing nationwide.