Officer Appointed Inspector General of Police 48 Hrs to Retirement.
The appointment of a senior police officer as Inspector General of Police (IGP) just 48 hours before his scheduled retirement has sparked intense debate across Nigeria. While the presidency’s decision may be legal under the Police Act, it raises deeper questions about leadership planning, institutional integrity, and the future of police reforms in the country.
Disu is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a former head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, a position previously held by Abba Kyari.
Tunji Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island and enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. Over the course of his career, he has served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in several locations, including Ago Iwoye in Ogun State, Ikare and Owo in Ondo State, as well as Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.
He also served as Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and anti-kidnapping operations in Rivers State. He previously commanded SARS in Ondo State, Oyo State, and Rivers State, and later served as second in command (2IC) of the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Rivers State.
On paper, the law is clear: an Inspector General of Police is entitled to a four-year tenure regardless of age or years of service. However, legality does not always equal wisdom. Elevating an officer on the brink of retirement to the highest position in the Nigeria Police Force sends a confusing message about succession planning and merit-based leadership.
Supporters of the appointment argue that experience is invaluable, especially at a time when Nigeria faces rising security challenges. They believe the officer’s decades of service justify the sudden promotion and that stability at the top could strengthen command and operations.
Critics, however, see the move as a symptom of deeper systemic issues political influence, favoritism, and the lack of a transparent, predictable leadership pipeline. They warn that such decisions undermine morale within the force, as younger and highly qualified officers may feel sidelined by last-minute political appointments.
Beyond the controversy, the bigger issue is trust. Nigerians are watching closely, hoping that the new IGP will prioritize professionalism, accountability, and reform over politics. The police force, already struggling with public confidence, cannot afford leadership decisions that appear arbitrary or politically motivated.
Ultimately, this appointment is more than a personnel change. It is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to institutional reforms, transparency, and the future of its security architecture. The new IGP now carries not just the burden of office, but the weight of national expectations—and skepticism.
