10 things to know about Tunji Disu, newly appointed IGP

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, Olatunji Disu, as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.

Disu, a seasoned police officer with over 30 years of service, will assume leadership of the Nigeria Police Force pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Gazette Post reports that in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu received Egbetokun’s resignation earlier on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the President expressed “profound appreciation” for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria’s new Police Boss

1. Disu was born on April 13, 1966 in Lagos Island in Lagos State.

He began his early education at Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School and later completed primary school at Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne, Ogun State, in 1979.

He finished secondary school at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, in 1985.

2. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University in 1990.

He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from the same institution.

In addition, he holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University.

3. Disu enlisted in the police on May 18, 1992, marking the beginning of a career that has spanned more than three decades.

4. Over the years, he has worked in Ogun, Ondo and Rivers states, handling operations and investigations in different capacities.

5. Disu headed the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping teams at various times, taking on major crime-fighting responsibilities.

6. From 2015 to 2021, he commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), promoting community-focused policing.

Under his leadership, officers were popularly known as “The Good Guys” because of their service-oriented approach.

7. While leading the RRS, he implemented hotspot policing, crime mapping and first responder training.

The squad also supported residents during emergencies, including during the COVID-19 lockdown.

8. In 2005, Disu headed Nigeria’s first police contingent deployed on an African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan.

He served as acting Chief of Staff during the mission before returning to Nigeria in 2006.

9. In August 2021, he was appointed to lead the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), succeeding the late Abba Kyari.

Under his leadership, the team dismantled major fraud syndicates and strengthened intelligence-led operations nationwide.

10. Beyond policing, Disu is a passionate judo athlete.

He holds a third dan black belt and has won medals at national and international competitions, including a silver medal at the 2022 U.S. Open Judo Championship.

He has also served as Chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association and currently acts as patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.