When Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally affixed the rank insignia of Acting Inspector-General of Police on Tunji Disu inside the State House, Abuja, it was more than ceremonial pageantry.
It marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s security architecture — and reignited public curiosity about a question often asked but rarely unpacked: How exactly is an Inspector-General of Police selected in Nigeria?
Disu’s elevation, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, offers a timely lens through which to examine the institutional, political, and procedural pathways that produce the nation’s top cop.
Behind the symbolism of uniforms and salutes lies a structured — though sometimes controversial — process shaped by law, tradition, and executive discretion.
Here are five known processes that shape the emergence of an Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in Nigeria.
1. Presidential Nomination: The Decisive First Step
Under Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the power to appoint the Inspector-General of Police rests squarely with the President.
In Disu’s case, the decision came swiftly after Egbetokun’s exit.
Though officially attributed to “family matters,” insiders indicated the change followed a private meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Such transitions underscore a critical truth: while the law outlines the process, the President’s confidence remains the ultimate determinant.
The President does not merely appoint a senior officer — he appoints a national security partner.
The IGP is expected to align with the administration’s security priorities, whether tackling insurgency, banditry, separatist unrest, cybercrime, or police reform.
Thus, competence matters — but so does trust.
2. Advisory Role of the Nigeria Police Council
While the President nominates, he does not act in isolation.
The Nigeria Police Council (NPC), established by the Constitution, plays an advisory role in confirming the appointment. The Council is composed of:
The President (Chairman)
All 36 State Governors
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission
The Inspector-General of Police
In Disu’s case, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the Council would soon be convened in line with the Police Act 2020 to deliberate on his appointment.
Although historically the Council’s role has largely affirmed presidential decisions, its inclusion reflects Nigeria’s federal character — ensuring states have a voice in selecting the officer who commands police operations nationwide.
3. Senate Confirmation (Under Amended Provisions)
Recent interpretations of the Police Act 2020 and evolving governance practice have strengthened legislative oversight in top security appointments.
Following endorsement by the Police Council, the nominee may be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation — a move that introduces democratic scrutiny into the process.
This stage, when invoked, allows lawmakers to assess:
Professional competence
Service record
Human rights track record
Vision for reform
Alignment with national security goals
If confirmed, the IGP secures legitimacy beyond executive authority.
4. Seniority, Eligibility, and Service Record
Traditionally, the IGP is appointed from among the most senior officers in the force — typically a Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) or Assistant Inspector-General (AIG).
Born April 13, 1966, Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and built a three-decade résumé spanning operational command, intelligence, and reform-oriented leadership.
His tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos — rebranded “The Good Guys” — and his leadership of the Intelligence Response Team following the suspension of Abba Kyari positioned him as a tested crisis manager.
Eligibility considerations include:
Rank and years of service
Disciplinary history
Operational performance
Professional training
National spread experience
The Police Act 2020 also introduced clarity on tenure: once appointed, an IGP serves a four-year term regardless of age or years left before mandatory retirement.
This provision is especially significant in Disu’s case — originally due to retire in April 2026 at age 60, he could now serve until 2030 if confirmed.
This shift prioritises continuity over age constraints.
5. Tradition and Institutional Ripple Effects
Though not written into law, tradition exerts powerful influence.
When a relatively junior officer is appointed IGP, senior officers often retire voluntarily or by convention.
The Nigeria Police Force, like many hierarchical institutions, operates on strict seniority codes.
Disu’s elevation is expected to trigger a wave of high-level exits, potentially affecting between 15 and 20 senior officers.
Among those who may be impacted are DIGs such as Adebola Hamzat, Mohammed Gumel, Adebowale Williams, and former Force PRO Frank Mba.
This unwritten convention reshapes the force’s leadership architecture overnight.
Thus, appointing an IGP is not a single decision — it is a systemic reset.
Beyond Procedure: What Disu’s Appointment Signals
Every IGP appointment carries symbolic weight.
Disu’s career blends operational intensity with reform branding.
His international training exposure, academic background in criminology and public administration, and even his discipline as a third-dan black belt judoka speak to a leadership style grounded in structure and resilience.
But the real test lies ahead.
Nigeria’s policing challenges are complex:
Rising insecurity across regions
Public trust deficits
Calls for state policing
Technology-driven crime
Internal discipline reform
The process of selecting an IGP may follow constitutional steps, but the expectations attached to the office transcend paperwork.
The Larger Question
The five processes — presidential nomination, Police Council advisory review, legislative scrutiny, seniority eligibility, and institutional tradition — form the architecture of IGP selection in Nigeria.
Yet each appointment raises a broader question:
Is the process merely procedural, or is it evolving toward greater transparency, accountability, and reform-driven leadership?
As Tunji Disu prepares to assume duties at Louis Edet House in Abuja, his appointment offers more than a leadership transition.
Also Read: Tinubu Decorates Tunji Disu as Acting IGP Following Egbetokun’s Exit
It provides a case study in how Nigeria balances executive authority, federal structure, institutional hierarchy, and democratic oversight in choosing the nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
The badge may be pinned in minutes.
But the process — and its consequences — shape the force for years.