President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Olatunji Tunji Disu as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
The announcement was made through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, highlighting the government’s appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of service to the Nigeria Police Force.
Acting immediately, Disu assumes office amid ongoing security challenges nationwide. Below are ten key facts about the new IGP:
- Early Life: Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Lagos State.
- Education: Holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University and two master’s degrees—Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and Criminology, Security & Legal Psychology from LASU.
- Police Career: Joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, serving in diverse locations including Ago Iwoye (Ogun State), Ikare (Ondo State), Owo (Ondo State), Elimbu, and Elelenwo (Rivers State).
- Leadership Roles: Served as DPO, SARS commander, and 2IC of CID. He also held positions as Commissioner of Police in Abuja and Rivers State.
- Intelligence & Special Units: Former head of the Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a role previously held by Abba Kyari, and Principal Staff Officer to Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
- Advanced Training: Completed specialised courses in small arms smuggling (Botswana), internet fraud (Cambridge, UK), forensic investigations, criminal intelligence, and strategic leadership.
- Community Policing: Led Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) from 2015–2021, rebranding officers as “The Good Guys” and promoting problem-solving, community-focused policing.
- International Experience: Served as contingent commander for Nigeria’s first African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in 2005 and acted as Chief of Staff in Darfur.
- Martial Arts & Awards: Holds a third dan black belt, with multiple national and international medals, including silver at the 2022 U.S. Open Judo Championship. Former Chairman of Lagos State Judo Association and patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.
- Recognition: Under Disu’s command, RRS won “Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa” (2016). He personally received “Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief” in West and Central Africa (2019) and CRAN’s “Man of the Year” (2019).
Tunji Disu’s appointment signals a focus on leadership with extensive field, intelligence, and international experience, at a time when Nigeria seeks stronger security responses and reforms within the Police Force.
