“He has done exceedingly well and Nigeria will feel the impact,” Sanwo-Olu, Governors backs IGP Disu for transformative policing

…urges the IGP to begin immediate comprehensive assessment tour of police formations

By Nkechi Eze

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as “an officer and a gentleman” whose professionalism, competence and leadership pedigree position him to drive a positive transformation in the Nigeria Police Force.

Sanwo-Olu spoke with journalists at the State House shortly after the meeting of the National Police Council chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where Disu’s appointment was approved in line with constitutional provisions and the Police Act.

The governor said the decision was not only procedurally proper but well-deserved, commending the President for identifying what he described as a highly skilled and tested officer.

“I think apart from it being proper, it’s a constitutional requirement and also part of the requirement of the Police Act. But more importantly, it is really to commend Mr President for identifying an officer and a gentleman who has displayed the highest level of professionalism, competence, and capacity as a manager of both human and material resources over time,” he said.

Drawing from personal experience, Sanwo-Olu noted that he had a unique opportunity to work closely with Disu during his service in Lagos. According to him, the new IGP served within the Lagos State Police Command for several years and specifically worked as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad during his tenure as governor.

During that period, the governor said, Disu not only distinguished himself as a police officer but successfully managed close to 3,000 special squad personnel tasked with tackling crime and maintaining public order in the state.

“He was able to manage close to 3,000 special squad officers and men to help reduce and manage crime extensively, petty crime, civil disturbances, intelligence operations and everything that warranted general policing at the time. He performed exceedingly well,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He added that colleagues across various states had also attested to Disu’s strong performance record wherever he had served, reinforcing confidence in his capacity to lead the Force at a critical time.

Projecting expectations for the new police chief, the Lagos governor said Disu should begin with a comprehensive assessment tour of police formations, especially in areas facing heightened security concerns.

“I would expect him to go round, particularly to areas where there have been concerns, carry out real assessments, meet the officers and men, understand their challenges and requirements, and let them know there is a new sheriff in town,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that rebuilding morale, restoring dignity and strengthening public trust in the Nigeria Police Force would be essential pillars of the new IGP’s tenure. He expressed optimism that under Disu’s leadership, policing in the country would be reinvigorated, renewed and repositioned for greater efficiency and stronger police-citizen relations.

Also speaking after the council meeting, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said members of the council carefully reviewed Disu’s service records and performance history before approving his appointment.

“We went through his records and his performance in office under recommendation, and the council was glad to approve the recommendation for him to be appointed Inspector-General of Police,” he said.

AbdulRazaq noted that the new IGP assumes office at a time of complex security challenges across the country, including growing calls for state policing and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

“Security is local,” he said, adding that Disu’s previous operational assignments, including major response operations in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, have prepared him for the demands of the office. “He has his work cut out for him, but he has a record to show that he can perform. There is great expectation from the states and the FCT, which he has to coordinate.”

With high expectations from both federal and state authorities, Olatunji Rilwan Disu now steps into office amid calls for reform, improved operational effectiveness and a renewed commitment to professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.