10 things to know about Tunji Disu, newly appointed acting IGP

Following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu has been appointed to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

Here are ten key things to know about the seasoned police officer:

Current Position

Tunji Disu has been appointed the Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. He previously served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

Early life

Disu was born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island. He completed his primary education at Mayflower Junior School in Ogun State and later attended St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, finishing secondary school in 1985.

Academic background

He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU), a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, and two master’s degrees—one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.

Professional training

Disu has attended numerous professional courses both in Nigeria and abroad, including Small Arms Smuggling Training in Botswana, Internet Fraud Training at the University of Cambridge, Strategic Leadership Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, and forensic and criminal intelligence programs at the University of Lagos.

Police career

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served as DPO in multiple states, Officer in Charge of SARS and anti-kidnapping units, and second-in-command of State CID in Rivers State.

Peacekeeping experience

In 2005, Disu led the first Nigerian Police contingent on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), serving as acting Chief of Staff while in Darfur.

Lagos RRS leadership

From 2015 to 2021, he commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), famously rebranding officers as “The Good Guys.” Under his leadership, the RRS focused on community engagement, crime prevention, and proactive policing, earning widespread praise for professionalism and citizen-focused service.

Intelligence response team

In 2021, Disu was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a post formerly held by Abba Kyari. He has since led major successes, including dismantling sophisticated fraud syndicates targeting bank accounts.

Memberships and affiliations

Disu is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), and the International Academy of Forensics.

Sports and Judo achievements

Disu is a decorated judoka, holding a third dan black belt. He has won multiple gold medals at national and police games and took silver at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022. He has also served as chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association and is currently the patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.

With decades of policing experience, international exposure, and a reputation for community-friendly policing, Tunji Disu’s appointment as Nigeria’s new IGP comes at a time when security reforms remain a top national priority.