The Nigeria Police Council (NPC) has officially confirmed Tunji Disu as the substantive Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The council, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, approved the appointment during its Monday meeting.
Speaking to State House reporters after the meeting, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said that, contrary to widespread talk, Senate confirmation is not required for the appointment. He referred to the provision of the amended Police Act to support this.
Mr Onanuga added that Mr Disu will be formally sworn in by President Tinubu on Wednesday.
Last week, President Tinubu appointed and decorated Mr Disu as acting IGP, taking over from Kayode Egbetokun, who served as police chief for three years.
Although Mr Disu was appointed just 48 days before reaching retirement, the amended police law allows him to serve a single four-year term unless he resigns or is removed by the president.
The National Assembly amended the law in July 2024 to let IGPs remain in office for four years, regardless of age or years in service. Previously, police officers retired at 60 or after 35 years of service.
Mr Egbetokun was 58 when he became the 22nd IGP and completed 35 years in service by March 2025. This led to calls from Nigerians for his removal, though the presidency insisted his tenure was legal under the new law.
President Tinubu last week asked Mr Egbetokun to resign for three main reasons, including his opposition to the creation of state police, a policy strongly backed by the president.
Sources said Mr Egbetokun was also removed due to his slow response to the presidential directive to withdraw police officers from VIP protection. Another factor was his blacklisting by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
The IPI Nigeria included Mr Egbetokun in its Book of Infamy, citing attacks on press freedom and serious human rights violations under his watch.
A source said the president had advised the former police chief to resolve the matter with IPI Nigeria by stopping attacks on journalists, but his failure to act influenced the decision to remove him.
Mr Disu, the new IGP, has promised to end such practices under his leadership. Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Villa last week, he said the “era of impunity” was over.
He also pledged to improve police welfare and focus on training officers for more effective policing.
