A new leadership chapter opened in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu Riliwon officially stepped into office as Acting Inspector-General of Police, signalling a swift transition at the apex of the country’s law enforcement structure.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Decorating Newly Appointed Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu Riliwon
The assumption of duty followed his formal decoration earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a ceremony that underscored the Federal Government’s urgency in stabilising command at the Force’s highest level.
Disu arrived at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in the late afternoon, where he inspected a ceremonial Quarter Guard and received his first salute as Acting IGP, a symbolic moment marking the transfer of operational authority.
His emergence came a day after former Inspector-General, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, stepped down from office, citing family considerations.
Dr Egbetokun and Ag. IGP Disu and their Wives in Group Photograph
The outgoing police chief subsequently presided over a structured handover session attended by senior officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.
The brief but formal transition ceremony reflected continuity within the command structure, as top police leadership closed ranks to usher in the new administration.
Observers say Disu’s immediate takeover positions him to steer ongoing security operations nationwide while consolidating internal reforms within the Force.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Egbetokun outlined key reforms undertaken during his tenure, saying his administration confronted “evolving asymmetric violence, technologically enabled crime, heightened civic expectations and the urgent demand for institutional renewal.”
Noting that the situation required a decisive recalibration of policing strategies, Egbetokun said intelligence-led policing was strengthened nationwide, alongside expansion of digital tracking and forensic capabilities, improved inter-agency coordination, and reinforcement of internal accountability mechanisms.
Dr Kayode Egbetokun and Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu Riliwon in Handshake
According to him, tactical assets were modernised while specialised training was intensified across commands.
The former police chief added that targeted operations disrupted organised kidnapping networks, curtailed criminal syndicates and improved coordinated response capacity, restoring confidence in previously underserved communities.
Egbetokun stressed that community-centred policing was entrenched as a strategic doctrine, while officer welfare received renewed focus through timely promotions, strengthened insurance coverage, housing expansion and capacity development initiatives.
He emphasised that public trust remains central to effective policing, saying legitimacy must be earned through integrity, transparency and measurable results.
Expressing confidence in his successor, he urged the new police leadership to consolidate existing reforms, deepen intelligence integration, expand technological modernisation and strengthen accountability structures.
Dr Kayode Egbetokun and Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu Riliwon
In his inaugural remarks, Disu said his leadership would be anchored on professionalism, modernisation, accountability, integrity and community partnership.
He assured officers of improved welfare and operational support, pledging to defend their dignity and ensure they are adequately equipped for effective service.
Disu also charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compassion and courage, noting that citizens deserve a police force capable of responding decisively to security challenges.
The leadership transition followed the appointment of Disu as Acting Inspector-General by Bola Tinubu, marking a new phase in the country’s policing reforms.
