• Governor Usman Ododo and President Bola Tinubu [State House Photo]

The Kogi State Government has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment towards making the establishment of State Police a reality.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the State Government asserted that the reform will fundamentally transform Nigeria’s security architecture.

President Tinubu the previous day, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to decentralise policing during a high-level engagement with governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President stressed that State Police has become imperative in confronting the country’s evolving security challenges, noting that decentralised law enforcement would enhance community-based responses, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen internal security across the federation.

The Kogi State Government noted that the President’s position comes as the National Assembly continues deliberations on the constitutional and legislative frameworks required to establish State Police, describing the move as a bold and strategic step toward long-term national stability.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo fully aligns with the President’s vision and remains committed to supporting reforms that bring security closer to the grassroots.

He stated that the State Police initiative represents a decisive intervention capable of significantly dismantling insecurity in Nigeria, commending President Tinubu for ongoing economic and financial sector reforms and describing the proposed decentralisation of policing as a natural progression in the administration’s broader national renewal agenda.

“As a government, we fully align with Mr President’s position and assure him, as well as the leadership of the National Assembly, of our readiness to cooperate with all relevant authorities to make the State Police a reality,” the statement said.

The Kogi State Government maintained that sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities would not only address immediate threats but also lay the foundation for enduring peace, security, and development across the country.

•Tunji Disu during his decoration today as Inspector General of police, by President Bola Tinubu on February 25,2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday formally assumed office, pledging sweeping reforms anchored on professionalism, accountability, and community partnership to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

He also acknowledged the contributions of past Inspectors-General, pledging to build on the foundations they laid while steering the force toward reform.

“The road ahead is not smooth,” he said, emphasising:” there will be resistance and hard choices, but my commitment to transforming this Service into one every citizen can trust will not waver.”

Disu took over from his predecessor, Olukayode Egbetokun, during a handover ceremony, declaring that his tenure would be guided by three core pillars: professionalism and modernisation, accountability and integrity, and community partnership and public trust.

He acknowledged that existing challenges within the force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps, and misconduct in some quarters, describe them as “uncomfortable truths” that must be confronted.“These are truths we must face with resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.

Reform Pillars

Disu said the police would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigations, and digital tools, stressing that modern methods—not intimidation or abuse of authority—would define operations.

On accountability, he warned that impunity would no longer be tolerated.

“The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes,” he stated, adding that oversight mechanisms would be strengthened and processes made more transparent.

He also emphasised community policing as a philosophy rather than a programme, pledging to deepen engagement with citizens through town halls, markets, schools, and neighbourhood interactions.

Addressing officers, Disu promised to prioritise their welfare and working conditions while demanding integrity, compassion, and courage in service.To citizens, he called for cooperation, urging Nigerians to report crime, engage local officers, and hold the police accountable.

To citizens, he called for cooperation, urging Nigerians to report crime, engage local officers, and hold the police accountable.

“We are not your adversaries. We are your neighbours in uniform, and your safety is the only measure of our success,” he said.

Disu thanked Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a heavy responsibility rather than a moment for celebration.

He also acknowledged the contributions of past Inspectors-General, pledging to build on the foundations they laid while steering the force toward reform.

“The road ahead is not smooth,” he noted. “There will be resistance and hard choices, but my commitment to transforming this Service into one every citizen can trust will not waver.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu with his new rank as the new acting Inspector – General of Police at the State House, Abuja.

The ceremony, which took place at the President’s office moments ago, had in attendance National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years .

President Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.

The ceremony comes barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

Disu arrived alongside his family members for his decoration to the new rank of the Inspector-General

Disu, until his appointment on Tuesday, was an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG in-charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Alagbon.

The former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, reportedly tendered letter of his resignation the previous day citing pressing family considerations.

President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.