The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated an eight-member committee to drive the implementation of state policing and advance his broader reform agenda, marking a decisive first step following his confirmation as the 23rd indigenous head of the Nigeria Police Force.
The committee, chaired by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, is tasked with developing a clear operational framework for the proposed decentralisation of policing powers — a cornerstone of the current administration’s security reform strategy.
Disu convened the meeting during his first formal engagement with senior officers since his appointment was unanimously ratified by the Nigeria Police Council. His confirmation paved the way for his swearing-in by Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Addressing the force’s top hierarchy, the IGP underscored that leadership is defined not by title but by responsibility. He called for renewed professionalism, discipline, and accountability across all commands nationwide.
“Authority is strongest when exercised with restraint,” Disu stated, stressing that respect for human rights must remain non-negotiable. He emphasised that every Nigerian, regardless of status or background, deserves dignity, fairness, and justice in all police interactions.
As part of efforts to rebuild public trust, the IGP announced plans to reinforce internal accountability mechanisms. He directed that the Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad be strengthened and allowed to operate independently to ensure transparency and curb misconduct within the ranks.
On the proposed state police structure, Disu described decentralisation as a strategic move to enable subnational governments to play a more active role in safeguarding their communities, improving response times, and addressing localised security threats more effectively.
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the country’s security architecture. On February 24, 2026, President Tinubu appointed Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.
The decision followed a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was subsequently endorsed unanimously by the Nigeria Police Council.
Disu is expected to be formally sworn in as substantive IGP during the upcoming Federal Executive Council meeting.
He assumes office amid escalating security concerns nationwide, including persistent kidnappings, banditry, and violent community attacks.
The state police initiative is widely viewed as a bold reform effort aimed at strengthening grassroots security coordination and enhancing operational responsiveness across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
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