Nigeria has a new Inspector General of Police, and his name is Tunji Disu. Following the reported removal of Kayode Egbetokun by President Bola Tinubu, Disu steps in at a tense moment for the Nigeria Police Force.
His appointment comes at a time when there are expectations of reform, discipline, and tactical innovation hanging in the air. This situation begs the questions: Who is Tunji Disu, and why has he been appointed now?
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Who is Tunji Disu?
Born in Lagos Island, Lagos State, on April 13, 1966. Tunji Disu had most of his elementary education in Ogun State. After which, he became a graduate of English Education from Lagos State University. He also holds two master’s degrees. One in Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State. The other is in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.
He’s a fan of martial arts and often shares videos of his training sessions online. Disu has even won medals representing the country internationally.
Before this appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. Just weeks ago, during his handover as AIG, he told journalists: “I assure you that we will give our best and continue to work together for the progress of the department.”
That tone is a clear symbol of his ethics across his previous roles. It also marks his entry now into the nation’s top policing job.
Here’s a highlight of Tunji Disu’s professional path:
- Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos, where he served as Commander from 2015 to 2021. He rose from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
- Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT): In August 2021, Disu was appointed to lead the Police Intelligence Response Team.
- Commissioner of Police in FCT and Rivers State
He has held the role of Commissioner of Police in both the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and Rivers State.
- AIG – Force Criminal Investigation Department / Lagos FCID
In February 2026, Disu assumed duty as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
Why is Disu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Choice?
Tunji Disu is not new to high-pressure assignments. He gained national attention as Commander of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS). Later, he became the head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), where he was credited with modernising tactical operations.
In Rivers State, as Commissioner of Police, he led aggressive crackdowns on notorious criminal networks. Community stakeholders described him as a “super cop.” In fact, one resident famously said, “CP Disu came, and there was instant relief.”
He was elevated to AIG in March 2025. This promotion comes after serving in key roles including the Special Fraud Unit and the FCT Command. His leadership style has often been described as firm but calculated. There are reports of him once calmly restraining his officers after a protester splashed water on him during a public demonstration in Port Harcourt.
Now, as IGP, Disu inherits a force deep in controversy and public scrutiny. With ongoing high-profile investigations and growing security concerns nationwide, many Nigerians see his intelligence background as strategic timing.
Still, the big question is whether Tunji Disu can replicate his state-level success on a national scale? Nigerians are watching.
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