The recent appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olatunji Rilwan Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has ignited nationwide debate. Disu is widely acknowledged as a gallant and battle‑tested officer, with a distinguished record of operational success. Yet, questions have emerged over the procedural integrity and regional balance of his elevation, raising concerns about equity and inclusion in Nigeria’s top security leadership.
Disu, a seasoned officer with over three decades of service, has built a reputation for bravery, tactical brilliance, and relentless pursuit of criminal elements. His career highlights include commanding tactical units in high‑risk zones, spearheading intelligence‑driven raids, and dismantling organized crime networks. Colleagues describe him as a “field‑tested commander” whose presence on operations often shifts the tide in favor of law enforcement. As an operational wizard in tactical policing, security Analyst aver that it is a deserving appointment based on merit of service operations.
However, the process of final confirmation remains a constitutional and statutory checkpoint. Section 215(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 7 of the Police Act 2020 stipulate that the appointment of an Inspector-General of Police must be confirmed by the Police Council and subsequently ratified by the Nigerian Senate. The Police Council, chaired by the President and comprising Governors of all 36 states, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, is expected to formally deliberate and transmit Disu’s name to the Senate for screening and approval. Without this legislative nod, his status remains provisional, which has never happened in the history of appointing IGPs.
Critics who argue that while Disu’s profile is impressive, his appointment risks perpetuating a pattern of regional imbalance in top security leadership, fail to understand that capacity determines elevation. Even though, it is worth noting that there are other senior officers from the South-East who are equally qualified for the position of IGP, reflecting the depth of competence across the nation. The persistent nature of appointing IGP includes the consideration of operational record, which favours Disu. However, it is important to
reinforce equity, inclusion, and national cohesion within the Force.
This is not the first time such regional concerns have surfaced. Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, key security appointments were dominated by northerners, including IGP Ekpotun, IGP Mohammed Adamu and IGP Usman Alkali Baba. That precedent has left many Nigerians wary of a repetition of lopsided appointments that could undermine morale and public trust in security institutions.
The presidency, in a recent statement, reiterated its commitment to strengthening national security and institutional capacity within the Police Force. It emphasized that the Tinubu administration remains focused on ensuring that the Nigeria Police operates with professionalism, accountability, and adequate resources to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
As the Police Council prepares to deliberate, stakeholders across civil society, security experts, and regional groups are urging the endorsed confirmation of Disu based transparent, merit-based, and geographically inclusive process. The final decision will not only shape the leadership of the Police Force but also signal the government’s commitment to national unity and justice.
AIG Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s track record — from his fearless leadership as Commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), to his stewardship as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, and his strategic command as AIG of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and AIG of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex Lagos, demonstrates his capacity to lead the Nigeria Police Force with competence, courage, and national vision. He has consistently proven himself as a detribalized, professional, and result‑oriented officer whose service transcends regional or ethnic boundaries. As the President’s choice for Inspector-General of Police, his confirmation by the Police Council and ratification by the Senate will not only affirm merit but also send a strong signal that Nigeria’s Police Force leadership is anchored on operatoonal excellence, and national security and national unity. The time to consolidate a formidable, professional, and inclusive Police Force under Disu’s leadership is now.
