Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
The highest rank in the Nigeria Police Force is Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The current IGP is Olatunji Rilwan (Tunji) Disu, appointed acting IGP by President Bola Tinubu on 24 February 2026 after Kayode Egbetokun resigned, and confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 2 March 2026 as the 23rd IGP. Below the IGP come Deputy Inspectors-General (DIG) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIG), and the ranks run down to Constable.
What is the highest rank in the Nigeria Police?
Inspector-General of Police is the top rank and the top office in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). There is only one IGP at a time. The IGP commands the force from Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House in Abuja, and oversees 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory command, grouped into 17 zones (Wikipedia: Nigeria Police Force).
The President appoints the IGP. According to Nigerian Queries, the Nigeria Police Council recommends an officer to the President. In Disu’s case, Wikipedia records that President Tinubu named him acting IGP and the Police Council confirmed him about a week later.
Who is the current IGP in 2026?
| Detail | Tunji Disu |
|---|---|
| Full name | Olatunji Rilwan Disu |
| Appointed acting IGP | 24 February 2026, by President Bola Tinubu |
| Confirmed | 2 March 2026, by the Nigeria Police Council, as the 23rd IGP |
| Predecessor | Kayode Egbetokun (IGP 2023–2026), who resigned |
| Rank before appointment | Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) |
| Joined the force | 18 May 1992 |
| Earlier posts | FCT Commissioner of Police (2024–2025); Rivers State Commissioner of Police (2023–2024); head of the Intelligence Response Team (2021–2023); Lagos Rapid Response Squad commander (2015–2021) |
Sources: Wikipedia: Tunji Disu; PRNigeria (25 February 2026).
Disu was appointed ahead of officers of higher rank: PRNigeria reported that the Deputy Inspectors-General at the time shared his 1992 enlistment date, with several due to retire in 2026 and 2027.
Nigeria Police ranks from highest to lowest
Here is the full order of ranks in the NPF. Sources group the lower commissioned ranks slightly differently, but the order itself is consistent.
| # | Rank | Abbreviation | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inspector-General of Police | IGP | Senior command |
| 2 | Deputy Inspector-General of Police | DIG | Senior command |
| 3 | Assistant Inspector-General of Police | AIG | Senior command |
| 4 | Commissioner of Police | CP | Senior command |
| 5 | Deputy Commissioner of Police | DCP | Senior command |
| 6 | Assistant Commissioner of Police | ACP | Senior command |
| 7 | Chief Superintendent of Police | CSP | Superintendent (commissioned) cadre |
| 8 | Superintendent of Police | SP | Superintendent (commissioned) cadre |
| 9 | Deputy Superintendent of Police | DSP | Superintendent (commissioned) cadre |
| 10 | Assistant Superintendent of Police | ASP | Superintendent (commissioned) cadre |
| 11 | Inspector of Police | Insp / IP | Inspectorate |
| 12 | Sergeant Major | SM | Rank and file |
| 13 | Sergeant | Sgt | Rank and file |
| 14 | Corporal | Cpl | Rank and file |
| 15 | Constable | PC | Rank and file |
Sources: Bitpidia (27 February 2026) and Ejes Gist (26 February 2026). Some lists also include Lance Corporal, ASP II, Cadet Inspector or Recruit as training or intermediate grades.
A correction to our earlier version of this guide: CSP, SP, DSP and ASP are commissioned (officer) ranks, not non-commissioned ones. The non-commissioned ranks are Sergeant Major, Sergeant, Corporal and Constable.
Recent Inspectors-General of Police
| IGP | Years in office |
|---|---|
| Mohammed Adamu | 2019–2021 |
| Usman Alkali Baba | 2021–2023 |
| Kayode Egbetokun | 2023–2026 |
| Tunji Disu | 2026–present |
Sources: Nigerian Queries (list to 2023); Wikipedia: Inspector General of Police (Nigeria) (Disu from 24 February 2026).
Is DPO a police rank?
No. DPO stands for Divisional Police Officer, the officer in charge of a police division. It is a posting, not a rank, and it is usually held by a superintendent-level officer. Ejes Gist notes that officers from Inspector to Chief Superintendent can hold it. Our guide to the DPO role in Nigeria explains what the job involves. For how officers move up the ranks, see police rank promotion in Nigeria.
How to tell ranks apart on the road
At checkpoints and in stations you will mostly deal with rank-and-file officers and inspectors, while divisional and state commands are led by superintendents and commissioners. Some practical points:
- Chevrons (stripes) mark rank-and-file officers and inspectors; stars, crowns and bars mark commissioned officers (Bitpidia).
- If you have a complaint, note the officer’s name or number if visible, plus the time and location.
- Use official channels to report misconduct. Our emergency services guide lists police, fire and medical contacts.
- Carry valid ID and vehicle papers on interstate trips so checks are quick.
Why this matters for travellers
Knowing who is who helps when you need to report an incident, ask for help or follow up a complaint. It also helps you plan long road trips: read our Travo safety page and, for long routes such as Lagos to Abuja by road, travel in daylight with a registered operator.
Plan a safer interstate trip
Book seats with registered operators, a vetted driver or an airport pickup through Travo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest rank in the Nigeria Police?
Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Only one officer holds it at a time, and the IGP heads the entire Nigeria Police Force.
Who is the IGP of Nigeria now?
Olatunji Rilwan (Tunji) Disu. He was appointed acting IGP on 24 February 2026 and confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 2 March 2026.
What rank comes after the IGP?
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), then Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP).
What is the lowest rank in the Nigeria Police?
Constable is the lowest full rank. Recruits in training are sometimes listed below it.
Is CSP higher than ACP?
No. ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) ranks above CSP (Chief Superintendent of Police).
Who appoints the IGP?
The President of Nigeria appoints the IGP, with the Nigeria Police Council involved. Disu was appointed by President Tinubu and confirmed by the Police Council.
Is DPO a rank?
No. DPO (Divisional Police Officer) is a posting held by an officer, usually of superintendent level.
Related guides
- DPO police rank in Nigeria: roles and duties
- Police rank promotion in Nigeria
- Emergency services in Nigeria: police, fire and medical
- Hire a trusted driver in Abuja
Sources: Wikipedia: Tunji Disu; Wikipedia: IGP (Nigeria); Wikipedia: Nigeria Police Force; PRNigeria (25 February 2026); Bitpidia and Ejes Gist (rank lists, February 2026); Nigerian Queries (past IGPs). For official information, contact the Nigeria Police Force. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
