Abuja, Nigeria: The National Police Council has officially approved the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector General of Police. The unanimous decision was reached on Monday, March 2, 2026, during a high-level meeting held at the State House in Abuja.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development shortly after the council concluded its 40-minute session. The meeting officially began at 2:15 pm West African Time when President Bola Tinubu entered the Council Chamber.
This confirmation aligns with the Police Act 2020, which makes it mandatory for the Police Council to review and approve the appointment of the nation’s top police officer. The gathering was convened urgently following the sudden departure of the former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Although Egbetokun stated in his resignation letter last Tuesday that he was leaving due to family issues, reports indicated that he was actually asked to step down during a meeting at the Presidential Villa the previous Monday.
Olatunji Disu, who is 59 years old, stepped into the role in an acting capacity on Wednesday, immediately after the exit of his predecessor. The presidency had previously announced the intention to formalise his position. In a statement released last week, Onanuga noted, “In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.”
The Police Council is a vital body chaired by the President. Its membership includes the governors of all 36 states, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the serving Inspector General of Police.
The Monday meeting saw a massive turnout of top government officials. Attendees included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Head of Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack. Also present were the governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo, and Lagos states. The Deputy Governor of Kogi State attended the session, alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs, and Interior.
Following this endorsement by the council, the president will now forward Olatunji Disu’s name to the Senate for final confirmation, officially concluding the transition of power within the police force.