TINUBU APPOINTS TUNJI DISU ACTING IGP JUST 48 DAYS TO MANDATORY RETIREMENT

President Bola Tinubu on February 24, 2026, appointed Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday.Disu’s appointment comes less than a year after he was elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in March 2025, marking a rapid rise within the Nigeria Police Force hierarchy.48 Days to RetirementBorn on April 13, 1966, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. Under existing police regulations, officers are mandated to retire upon attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service — whichever comes first.Prior to his appointment, Disu was just 48 days away from reaching the compulsory retirement age of 60. Although he will complete 35 years in service in May 2027, his elevation to the office of Inspector-General of Police places him on a statutory four-year tenure, unless he resigns or is removed by the President.Legal Backing for Four-Year TenureA similar scenario previously applied to Egbetokun. He was appointed the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, with his appointment later confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023.Egbetokun, who was 58 at the time of his appointment, was initially expected to retire on September 4, 2024, upon turning 60. However, amendments to the Police Act by the National Assembly allow Inspectors-General of Police to complete their full four-year tenure, irrespective of age, unless they resign or are removed by the President.Following the amendment, Egbetokun was projected to remain in office until October 31, 2027, before tendering his resignation on Tuesday.ImplicationsDisu’s appointment is expected to shape the direction of policing reforms, internal restructuring, and national security strategy at a critical period for the country.More updates to follow as developments unfold.