President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olatunji Disu as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President confirmed that he had received Egbetokun’s resignation and expressed profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.
The statement further noted that, in view of current security challenges and in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu approved the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
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As the nation adjusts to new leadership at the helm of its police institution, here are comprehensive things to know about the new IGP.
1. Over Three Decades in Policing
Olatunji Disu is a career police officer with more than 30 years of service. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, steadily rising through the ranks across operational, investigative and administrative commands.
Before his elevation, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos.
He also previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and later in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He was subsequently deployed to Abuja by former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
2. Early Life and Academic Credentials
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu combines field experience with academic depth.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University, a Master’s degree in Criminology, Security & Legal Psychology from the same institution, and another Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University. His academic background in criminology and public administration has significantly shaped his intelligence-led and reform-oriented approach to policing.
3. Extensive Divisional and Tactical Command Experience
Over the course of his career, Disu has served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ago Iwoye in Ogun State; Ikare and Owo in Ondo State; as well as Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.
He has also held several strategic leadership positions within the Nigeria Police Force, including roles in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), anti-kidnapping units, and State Criminal Investigation Departments. He served as Second-in-Command (2IC) of the CID, Principal Staff Officer to former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and later headed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a position previously occupied by Abba Kyari.
These postings placed him at the centre of Nigeria’s most high-risk tactical and intelligence-driven operations.
4. Rebranding Lagos RRS: “The Good Guys”
Between 2015 and 2021, Disu led the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), where he rebranded officers as “The Good Guys” and promoted community-focused, problem-solving policing.
Under his command, the RRS received the 2016 award for “Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa.”
He also earned several personal recognitions, including the “Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief in West and Central Africa” award in 2019, as well as the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) “Man of the Year” award in the same year.
5. A People-Centred Approach During EndSARS
During the 2020 EndSARS protests, Disu, then RRS Commander, distinguished himself with a people-focused policing strategy.
Under his leadership, RRS ambulances were deployed to provide medical assistance to injured protesters, a gesture that security observers described as de-escalatory and confidence-building measures.
Residents reportedly resumed sharing intelligence with officers under his watch, citing trust and confidentiality.
Security experts later referenced the RRS under Disu as a benchmark for professional, community-oriented policing during periods of civil tension.
6. Central Role in the Arrest of Evans
Disu played a key role in the operation that led to the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.
The arrest at the suspect’s Magodo residence in Lagos marked one of the most significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s fight against organised kidnapping and violent crime.
7. Cross-Border Recovery of Stolen iPhones
In another high-profile operation, Disu led investigations into a burglary of a major iPhone store in South Africa.
Intelligence traced the stolen devices to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos. His swift coordination led to their recovery and return, drawing commendation from South African authorities.
The operation contributed to Lagos State’s recognition in 2016 by Security Watch Africa as one of Africa’s safest states, while RRS emerged as the best anti-crime unit in West Africa.
8. Crackdown on Violent Cultism in Rivers State
As Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Disu led decisive operations against violent cult groups destabilising communities.
Under his command, security operatives neutralised notorious cult leader Gift Okpara, alias “2Baba,” linked to the killing of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbashim in Ahoada East Local Government Area in 2023.
The operation involved coordinated land and aerial surveillance, restoring stability to affected areas.
9. International Peacekeeping and Professional Memberships
Disu served as contingent commander for Nigeria’s first African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in 2005 and acted as Chief of Staff in Darfur.
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and several other global professional policing and forensic bodies.
He has also completed advanced courses in small arms smuggling in Botswana, internet fraud investigations in Cambridge, UK, forensic investigations, criminal intelligence, and strategic leadership.
10. Champion Judoka and Decorated Athlete
Beyond policing, Disu is an accomplished judoka with a third dan black belt.
He began practising judo in 1986 and has won multiple medals, including two gold medals at the National Sports Festival, honours at the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces Games, gold at the Nigerian Police Veterans Championship in 2021, and a silver medal at the 2022 U.S. Open Judo Championship, where he competed against more than 500 international athletes. He is also a former Chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association and serves as a patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.
The Road Ahead
Disu assumes leadership at a time of complex security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, cult violence, and public trust deficits.
His appointment signals a blend of operational experience, intelligence-driven policing, community engagement philosophy, international exposure, and disciplined personal ethos.
As Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police, expectations are high.
The coming months will test not only his tactical capabilities but also his ability to institutionalise reforms, strengthen accountability, enhance intelligence-led operations, and rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
For now, one thing is certain, Olatunji Disu steps into history as the nation’s 23rd IGP with reputation, experience, and enormous responsibility on his shoulders.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
