A civic advocacy organisation, SpeakUp Collective Nigeria (SCN), has described the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) as timely, lawful and necessary for sustaining security stability in the country.
In a statement signed by its National President, Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo, the group said the decision was guided by law, institutional logic and national interest, rather than sentiment or speculation.
The group noted that official records show that Disu and several serving Deputy Inspectors-General of Police were enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, belonging to the same professional cohort with serial numbers beginning with “AP417.”
According to SCN, although officers may share the same enlistment date, retirement in the Force is determined by statutory provisions requiring retirement upon attaining 60 years of age or after completing 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.
It stated that differences in dates of birth account for variations in retirement timelines among officers of the same enlistment batch.
The group pointed out that Disu, born on April 13, 1966, is among the most senior and experienced officers in his cohort, adding that his promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in March 2025 followed decades of operational service and leadership roles.
SCN further observed that the Nigeria Police Force is currently undergoing a leadership transition, with several Deputy Inspectors-General either due for retirement or expected to retire within the next 12 to 18 months.
It warned that such developments could create a leadership vacuum if not properly managed, stressing that continuity within the command structure is critical to operational planning and national security coordination.
“Leadership continuity in security institutions is not a luxury but a necessity,” the statement said, adding that appointing a senior officer ensures operational coherence during the transition period.
The group also highlighted Disu’s experience in commanding tactical and intelligence units, noting that his previous assignments involved combating violent crime, managing urban security challenges and coordinating complex law enforcement operations.
It described his qualifications as practical competencies acquired through decades of field command and institutional service.
SCN maintained that the appointment of an Acting IGP is backed by law, stating that the President is empowered under the Constitution and the Nigeria Police Act to appoint the Inspector-General of Police in the interest of national security and institutional stability.
The organisation said Nigeria is currently grappling with security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, organised criminal networks and urban security pressures, which require experienced leadership at the helm of the Police Force.
It argued that uncertainty at the highest level of police leadership would be counterproductive at a time when stability is essential.
The group urged the public to assess the appointment from the standpoint of institutional necessity, merit and professional progression.
“Tunji Disu’s appointment represents continuity, experience and institutional discipline. It reflects a leadership decision grounded in merit and the overriding need to safeguard national security,” the statement added.
