Nigeria's New Acting Police Chief: A Deep Dive into Tunji Disu's Career and Credentials
On February 24, 2026, President Bola Tinubu appointed Olatunji Rilwan "Tunji" Disu as the acting Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria, following the sudden resignation of Kayode Egbetokun. This strategic move places Disu at the helm of Nigeria's largest security force, tasked with addressing critical challenges ranging from rampant kidnappings to urban crime waves across the nation.
A Veteran Officer with Over Three Decades of Distinguished Service
Tunji Disu's appointment represents the pinnacle of a remarkable career that began on May 18, 1992, when he enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. With more than 34 years of continuous service, Disu has accumulated extensive experience across various operational, tactical, intelligence, and administrative roles within the Nigeria Police Force. His longevity and diverse assignments have established him as one of the most seasoned and respected officers in the entire organization.
Strong Educational Background and Specialized Professional Training
Beyond his field experience, Disu possesses an impressive academic portfolio that underscores his intellectual capabilities. His educational achievements include:
- A Bachelor's degree in English Education from Lagos State University.
- A Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies.
- Two Master's degrees: one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.
Additionally, Disu has completed numerous specialized training programs both domestically and internationally, covering critical areas such as small arms smuggling investigations, internet fraud detection, strategic leadership development, and advanced forensic and criminal intelligence techniques.
Extensive Field Experience and Leadership in Key Police Units
Disu's career is marked by significant leadership roles in several high-profile police units, demonstrating his hands-on approach to law enforcement:
- Rapid Response Squad (RRS): From 2015 to 2021, Disu served as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, where he gained national recognition for implementing visible patrols, fostering community engagement, and promoting proactive crime prevention strategies. His tenure was characterized by branding his officers as "The Good Guys," emphasizing public trust and service.
- Intelligence Response Team (IRT): In August 2021, Disu was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team, succeeding Abba Kyari. In this role, he focused on dismantling organized crime networks, fraud syndicates, and complex criminal operations through intelligence-driven methodologies.
Other notable positions include serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police at Force Headquarters in Abuja, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos.
International Exposure and Professional Affiliations
Disu's expertise extends beyond Nigeria's borders, with significant international peacekeeping experience. In 2005, he led the first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan, where he also served as Acting Chief of Staff in Darfur, showcasing his ability to operate in complex, multinational environments.
His professional affiliations include membership in prestigious organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and the National Association of Investigative Specialists in the United States. Disu has also received multiple accolades, including being named Commissioner of the Police of the Year in 2024.
A Black Belt in Judo with International Competitive Success
In a unique distinction among senior police leaders, Tunji Disu is an accomplished judo practitioner who has competed at the highest levels internationally. He notably won a silver medal at the 2022 U.S. Open Judo Championship, competing against hundreds of elite athletes. This achievement highlights his personal discipline, physical fitness, and competitive spirit, qualities that complement his professional responsibilities.
Career Timeline and Strategic Appointment Context
Disu's career progression illustrates a steady climb through the ranks:
- 1992: Enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
- 2005: Led Nigeria's police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan.
- 2015-2021: Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos.
- 2021: Appointed Head of the Intelligence Response Team.
- Various roles as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and FCT Abuja.
- Assistant Inspector-General of Police at FCID Annex, Lagos.
- February 2026: Appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police by President Tinubu.
President Tinubu's selection of Disu comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria's security landscape, reflecting a demand for more professional, intelligence-driven policing and comprehensive institutional reforms. Disu's blend of street-level operational experience and high-level administrative expertise positions him as a potentially transformative leader. According to the Police Act 2020, his appointment requires final confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate, but his credibility and track record have already generated optimism about improved public safety, enhanced police-community relations, and modernized law enforcement strategies in the months ahead.
