Meet Tunji Disu, newly appointed acting Inspector General of Police

Olatunji Rilwan Disu, popularly known as Tunji Disu, has been appointed Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), succeeding Kayode Egbetokun, following his resignation on Tuesday.

A career officer with over three decades of service, Disu is widely recognized for intelligence-led operations, tactical field command, and community-oriented policing, most notably during his tenure as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Disu’s formative years were grounded in a disciplined academic path. He attended Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School and Mayflower Junior School in Ogun State, followed by Pobuna Secondary Grammar School in Epe and St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, completing his secondary education in 1985.

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He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University in 1990, followed by a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, and two master’s degrees: one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University in 2010, and another in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University in 2022. He also holds a certificate in Personal Protection from the United Kingdom.

Disu enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and served in multiple states and strategic units. Early postings as Divisional Police Officer in Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers States grounded him in grassroots policing, exposing him to local crime management, community relations, and internal security operations.

His operational profile expanded in specialized units, including the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping units, where he served as SARS Commander in Ondo, Oyo, and Rivers States. He later became Second-in-Command of the State Criminal Investigations Department in Rivers.

In 2005, Disu led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan, serving as contingent commander and Acting Chief of Staff in Darfur, gaining exposure to multinational security coordination and conflict-area policing.

One of his most visible roles came in 2015 as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad. Under his leadership, the RRS was rebranded as “The Good Guys,” emphasizing professionalism, public service, and community trust. He introduced crime mapping, hotspot policing, and first-aid training for officers, ensuring visible patrols and proactive support for citizens. His squad responded to accidents, assisted stranded motorists, and conveyed women in labor to hospitals during emergencies.

During the COVID-19 lockdown and #EndSARS protests, Disu ensured RRS officers provided medical assistance, reflecting his focus on balancing enforcement with citizen protection.
Following his RRS command, Disu was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters and later head of the Intelligence Response Team, succeeding Abba Kyari.

He oversaw intelligence-driven operations targeting organized crime, fraud syndicates, and cybercriminal networks. Promoted to Commissioner of Police in March 2023, he served in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory before his elevation to Acting IGP on February 24, 2026.

Disu’s career reflects a blend of operational, intelligence, and administrative experience, positioning him to lead the Nigeria Police Force amid ongoing security challenges and institutional reform demands. His leadership style emphasizes professionalism, strategic planning, and accountability, as well as fostering public trust. He is a member of multiple professional bodies, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, the International Institute of Certified Forensics Investigation Professionals, the International Academy of Forensics, and the National Association of Investigative Specialists in the United States.

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Throughout his career, Disu has attended specialized training programs in Nigeria and abroad, including small arms smuggling detection in Botswana, cybercrime and internet fraud at the University of Cambridge, strategic leadership command at the Police Staff College in Jos, and forensic and criminal intelligence programs at the University of Lagos.

His elevation to Acting IGP marks the culmination of over 30 years of service, bringing a mix of field experience, intelligence expertise, and administrative leadership to the apex of the Nigeria Police Force.

As Acting IGP, Disu now faces the stiff challenge of balancing security demands, institutional reform, and public expectations for accountability, while strengthening the force’s capacity to respond to evolving internal and external threats.