Following his formal decoration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olatunji Ridwan Disu has officially assumed office as Nigeria’s 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP), a transition expected to trigger a major shake-up within the upper echelon of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

IGP Disu succeeds Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who resigned on February 24, 2026, citing health and family reasons. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Force, with renewed emphasis on professionalism, accountability and restoring public trust.

By long-standing tradition within Nigeria’s military and paramilitary institutions, the appointment of a junior officer to the highest command often necessitates the retirement of officers senior in rank to prevent command structure conflicts. Consequently, attention has shifted to the Police Service Commission (PSC), which is expected to determine the fate of several senior officers.

Findings by PRNigeria indicate that about 25 senior officers could be affected, subject to the consideration and approval of the PSC.

Among those who may be impacted by the leadership transition are Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) occupying strategic positions within the Force.

They include DIG Frank Mba from Enugu State, currently in charge of the Department of Training and Development; DIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar from Kano State, who heads the Force Criminal Investigation Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja; DIG Adebowale William from Ondo State, overseeing the Department of Information and Communication Technology; and DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazhi from Adamawa State, in charge of the Department of Operations.

Others are DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat from Kwara State, supervising the Department of Logistics and Supply; DIG Basil Idegwu from Delta State, heading the Department of Research and Planning; DIG Dankwara Adamu Mohammed from Adamawa State, in charge of Finance and Administration; DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel from Jigawa State, overseeing the Force Intelligence Department; and the recently promoted DIG Adegboyega Funsho Adeboye.

Similarly, at least 17 serving Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) were promoted to that rank ahead of Disu, making them his seniors by date of promotion. In line with established protocols, they may also be considered for retirement, pending PSC approval.

Those that may be affected include Salman Garba Dogo from Kwara; Nemi Edwin Osigonoka from Rivers; Garba Ahmed from Katsina; Uzegbu Kanayo from Imo; Enuobo Fred Ekokotu from Bayelsa; Fom Pam Joseph from Plateau; and Zubairu Abubakar from Kwara State.

The list also features Nfonyi Polycarp Emeka from Ebonyi; Akonwale Kunle Adeniran from Oyo; Abayomi Peter Oladipo from Lagos; Umar Shehu Nadada from Kano; Faydabe Adeboke Mustapha from Osun State; Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman from Jigawa; Margaret Agebe Ochalla from Cross River; Inyaku Mohammed from Plateau; Baba Ibrahim Zango from Adamawa; and Zacharian Fera Achinyan from Taraba State.

Meanwhile, Disu belongs to a cohort of 13 AIGs who were all promoted on March 6, 2025. Although their immediate fate remains uncertain, many within that group are already approaching statutory retirement, either upon attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service between 2026 and 2027.

Born on April 13, 1966, IGP Disu would ordinarily have been due for retirement in April 2026. However, under the amended Police Act 2020, the Inspector-General of Police is entitled to a fixed four-year term.

Section 7(6) of the Act provides that the IGP shall hold office for four years regardless of age or length of service, subject to confirmation by the Senate and the Nigeria Police Council. This legal framework could see Disu remain in office until 2030.

IGP Disu is widely regarded as a “scholar-policeman,” bringing a strong academic pedigree to the office. He holds an MSc in Entrepreneurship (2023), an MSc in Criminology and Security Studies (2022), and a Bachelor’s degree in English Education obtained in 1990.

His policing career is marked by several high-profile assignments. As Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, he transformed the unit into an award-winning anti-crime squad noted for professionalism and operational efficiency. He later headed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) following the suspension of Abba Kyari and served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Before his appointment as IGP, he was AIG in charge of the Force CID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

Shortly after his decoration, IGP Disu signalled a firm reform agenda anchored on discipline, human rights compliance and anti-corruption measures.

“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over,” Disu declared. “I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will follow a regime of zero tolerance for corruption.”

He further emphasised that his leadership would remain citizen-centred, stressing that in a democratic setting, the police are accountable to the Nigerian people rather than political interests.

As the PSC begins deliberations on the status of senior officers, the Nigeria Police Force appears poised for one of its most consequential leadership realignments in recent history — a transition that could redefine its command structure and operational direction in the years ahead. (By PRNigeria)

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