Profile of Tunji Disu, Nigeria’s new IGP

Olatunji “Tunji” Disu is the newly appointed Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police following the removal of Kayode Egbetokun by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A veteran of the Nigeria Police Force, Disu has built a reputation for leadership, innovation, and community-focused policing over a career spanning more than three decades.

Humble beginning

Disu was born in Lagos Island, Lagos State on April 13, 1966, he began his formal education at Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School before completing primary school at Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne, Ogun State, in 1979.

He attended Pobuna Secondary Grammar School in Epe and finished his secondary education at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, in 1985.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU) in 1990. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from LASU, along with certificates in Personal Protection from the United Kingdom.

Disu also holds two master’s degrees: one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.

His education is complemented by professional training both in Nigeria and internationally, covering areas such as small arms smuggling, forensic investigations, internet fraud, and strategic leadership.

Entry into the Police Force

Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. Early in his career, he served in various capacities across different states, including Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers.

He led units in special operations such as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping teams.

He also held key investigative roles, including Second-in-Command at the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Rivers State.

In 2005, Disu made history as the contingent commander of Nigeria’s first police unit deployed for peacekeeping under the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS).

During his mission in Darfur, he was appointed acting Chief of Staff before returning to Nigeria in 2006.

Leadership of Lagos State Rapid Response Squad

From 2015 to 2021, Disu commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), transforming it into a model of proactive and community-focused policing.

Under his leadership, RRS officers were dubbed “The Good Guys,” a program aimed at fostering trust and cooperation between the police and Lagos residents.

His strategies emphasized hotspot policing, crime mapping, and first responder training, including first aid and CPR.

During his tenure, RRS officers were known not just for crime prevention but also for assisting civilians, helping accident victims, transporting patients during emergencies, and providing support during the COVID-19 lockdown, such as transporting a woman in labour to the hospital.

The unit earned multiple awards under his command, including “Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa” and recognition for outstanding operational performance.

Lagos State was also named the “Most Safety-Conscious State in Africa” by Security Watch Africa during his tenure.

National roles and intelligence leadership

Disu’s national prominence grew when he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

In August 2021, he became head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), succeeding the late Abba Kyari.

The IRT, under Disu’s leadership, successfully dismantled sophisticated fraud syndicates and enhanced the Nigeria Police Force’s intelligence capabilities.

In March 2023, he was promoted to Commissioner of Police, further solidifying his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most effective law enforcement leaders.

Professional memberships

Disu is a member of numerous local and international professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPM), and the International Academy of Forensics.

These affiliations reflect his commitment to professional excellence and global policing standards.

Personal life

A passionate judoka since 1986, Disu holds a third dan black belt and has won multiple medals at national and international competitions.

Notable achievements include a gold medal at the National Sports Festival in 1990, several golds at Nigerian Police Games, and a silver medal at the U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022.

He has served as Chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association and is currently the patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.

Community engagement

During the 2020 End SARS protests, Disu’s leadership of the RRS was widely praised for prioritizing public welfare.

He ensured that police ambulances were made available to protesters requiring medical attention, highlighting his focus on service-oriented policing.

Awards

Throughout his career, Disu has received numerous accolades for his innovative policing methods and operational success. Among them are:

• Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief in West and Central Africa (2019)
• Most Outstanding Urban Crime Control Police Command in West and Central Africa (2019)
• Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa (2016)
• Recognition for Lagos State as the most safety-conscious state in Africa (2016)

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