Olatunji Rilwan Disu (commonly known as Tunji Disu) is a senior Nigerian police officer who was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Nigeria Police Force on February 24, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This followed the resignation of the previous IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who cited family considerations. Disu’s appointment is acting pending formal review by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as required under the Police Act.

Early Life and Education

– Born: April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria (currently 59 years old; he turns 60 in April 2026).

– Education: – Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU).

– Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies (also from LASU).

– Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

– Master’s degree in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.

– He completed primary education at schools like Mayflower Junior School (Ogun State) and secondary at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.

Professional Career

Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after training at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kaduna.

He has over 33 years of service, rising through various operational and leadership roles.

Key positions and achievements include:

– Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in multiple locations.

– Officer-in-Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) units.

– Leadership in anti-kidnapping squads and state Criminal Investigation Departments.

– Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he focused on urban crime reduction.

– Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for high-profile operations.

– Commissioner of Police in Rivers State (led operations against violent cult groups) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

– Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos (assumed this role around early 2026; promoted to AIG in March 2025).

– Specialized training in forensics, criminal intelligence, internet fraud (including at University of Cambridge), small arms smuggling (Botswana), and strategic leadership (Police Staff College, Jos).

He is recognized for intelligence-led policing, discipline, anti-corruption stance, and community-oriented approaches.

Personal Interests and Achievements

Disu is a decorated judoka (third dan black belt), having started practicing in 1986 during his time at LASU. He won multiple gold medals at national and police games, plus a silver at other competitions.

Recent Appointment Context

The appointment came amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. It has sparked discussions on seniority (bypassing some more senior officers like DIG Frank Mba), federal character, and timing (Disu is close to the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service).

Some view it as strategic for pre-2027 election security preparations, while others debate merit versus other factors. President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s experience to provide steady leadership.

Overall, Tunji Disu is regarded as a seasoned, professional officer with a strong track record in field operations, investigations, and command roles. His tenure as acting IGP is expected to focus on enhancing police efficiency and addressing national security priorities.