Five former Inspectors General of Police have pledged their support to Nigeria’s current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, held on Tuesday, was described as purposeful and symbolic of institutional continuity.
Force New Media Officer Aliyu Giwa confirmed the visit in a statement on Thursday. He noted that the presence of the former police chiefs—Aliyu Attah, Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo, Suleiman Abba, and Usman Alkali Baba—underscored the weight of collective backing for the Force’s leadership. Giwa emphasized that their support carried significance beyond titles, reflecting shared responsibility for the institution’s future.
The former leaders offered mentorship and practical advice to Disu, drawing from their own experiences in office. They urged him to sustain reforms, lead with intelligence, protect officers, and uphold public trust. Giwa explained that the delegation understood the demands of the role, having faced similar challenges themselves, including sleepless nights, difficult decisions, and national scrutiny.
Disu received the delegation with humility and expressed confidence in his mandate. He acknowledged that his leadership builds on decades of institutional history shaped by his predecessors. According to Giwa, Disu views this legacy not as a burden but as a privilege, with a clear path forward grounded in reform and stability.
President Bola Tinubu had sworn in Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police on March 4, 2026, at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja. The ceremony took place shortly before the Federal Executive Council meeting, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and senior government officials in attendance. His appointment was unanimously endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council, confirming him as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
The visit by the former police chiefs signals continuity and unity within the Force. It highlights the importance of institutional support in navigating reforms and addressing national security challenges. Their collective endorsement strengthens Disu’s position as he works to modernize policing, safeguard officers, and reinforce public confidence in law enforcement.
By bridging past leadership with present responsibilities, the meeting reflects a broader commitment to stability and reform within Nigeria’s policing system. It also demonstrates that the challenges of leadership are best met with collaboration, shared wisdom, and a focus on the trust of the Nigerian people.
