Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has appointed Tunji Disu, a deputy commissioner of police, to replace the suspended head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari.

Mr Kyari was suspended by the police authorities after his indictment by the U.S. for his alleged role in the $1.1million fraud by Ramon Abass, popularly called Hushpuppi. Kyari has however denied any wrongdoing.

On Monday, the police spokesperson, Frank Mba, said in a statement that the police chief approved Mr. Disu’s appointment on Monday, with a directive that he should resume work with immediate effect and refocus the unit for better service delivery.

“The Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba has today, 2nd August, 2021 approved the posting of DCP Tunji Disu as the new Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The posting of the officer is on the heels of Management’s decision to fill the leadership gap within the IRT and refocus the Unit for better service delivery,” Mr Mba said.

The statement said the inspector general charged  Disu to demonstrate his professional competence in his leadership of the unit. He also assured citizens that the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) will remain focused in the discharge of its duties in line with national statutes and international best practices.

Disu, among other postings, is a former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State. He was also the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.