By Ghazali Ibrahim
At least 35 senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force may be compelled to retire following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Assistant Inspector-General Olatunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
Disu’s appointment came after the resignation of former IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, who stepped down over personal reasons.
However, the leadership change has sparked strong reactions within the Force hierarchy, particularly among eight Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and 27 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) who are senior to Disu and may now be required to embark on compulsory retirement.
According to Guildng, sources within the Force said the affected officers’ primary grievance is that the President bypassed the most senior DIG in appointing a successor. They argue that Disu, being their junior in rank and age, should not lead them under established policing tradition.
The development reportedly triggered an emergency meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, attended physically and virtually by senior officers.
During deliberations, some participants allegedly vowed to resist Disu’s resumption and considered protest options aimed at compelling a reversal of the appointment.
Insiders also claimed that the Police Service Commission has begun preparing retirement benefits for those affected.
Some sources further alleged that discussions included possible efforts to rally loyal junior officers in opposition to the transition.
Among those whose positions may be directly impacted are several influential DIGs. The most influential DIG Frank Mba, who heads Department of Training and Development, DIG Yahaya Abubakar, Finance and Administration, DIG Adebola Hamzat, Logistics and Supply, DIG Adebowale Williams, Information and Communication Technology, DIG Sadiq Abubakar, Force Criminal Investigations Department, DIG Ben Okolo, Force Intelligence Department and DIG Basil Idegwu, Research and Planning whose names had been published on police service commission website.
Other DIGs whose futures remain uncertain include DIG Fayoade Adegoke, DIG Funsho Adegboye, and DIG Mohammed Dankwara.
While the exact number of AIGs to be redeployed or retired has yet to be formally announced, insiders say up to 27 AIGs could also exit alongside the outgoing IGP due to the seniority rule.
Even as the 35 senior officers expressed displeasure, Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and many mid-level and younger officers reportedly welcomed the development.
Some believe Disu’s emergence as the 23rd IGP could unlock long-delayed promotions and career progression opportunities.
Sources noted that although some of the aggrieved DIGs and AIGs were Disu’s contemporaries during training, they benefitted from earlier preferential postings and faster promotions, leaving Disu to advance through operational assignments.
Disu, 59, enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent. A graduate of Lagos State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and later a Master’s degree in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology, he also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University.
He received professional training at the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State.
Throughout his career, Disu has held several strategic roles. He served as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, later led the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) following the suspension of Abba Kyari, and served as Commissioner of Police in Abuja and Rivers State, where he was credited with leading crime reduction operations. He’s also a champion in Judo sports, representing the force at different games.
Before his elevation, he had been deployed to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos to support nationwide crime-fighting efforts.
As Disu prepares to formally assume office, uncertainty continues to surround the fate of the affected DIGs and AIGs.
Whether the senior officers will quietly proceed on retirement or escalate their opposition remains to be seen.
