Tunji Disu is Nigeria’s Acting IGP born April 13, 1966. Lagos-born police officer with 34 years experience. Read his biography, career & family details.
Olatunji Disu, widely known as Tunji Disu, has been appointed Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police in February 2026. The 59-year-old career officer brings over three decades of distinguished service to the nation’s top policing position. His appointment by President Bola Tinubu marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s security landscape. Born on Lagos Island in Lagos State, Disu has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest contemporary police officers. His journey from a cadet officer in 1992 to the pinnacle of law enforcement showcases dedication, operational excellence, and reform-driven leadership. As Acting IGP, he faces the challenge of steering the Nigeria Police Force through critical security reforms.
Quick Facts About Tunji Disu
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olatunji Disu |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lagos Island, Lagos State |
| Profession | Police Officer, Inspector-General |
| Years of Service | 34 years (1992-2026) |
| Education | B.A. English Education, Two Master’s |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Famous For | Lagos RRS Commander, IRT Head, IGP |
Early Life and Education
Tunji Disu was born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island in Lagos State. He completed primary education at Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne, Ogun State in 1979, and secondary education at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos in 1985. He graduated from Lagos State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English Education in 1990. He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University (2010) and another Master’s in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU (2022). Disu has attended specialized training including Small Arms Smuggling in Botswana, Internet Fraud at Cambridge University, Strategic Leadership in Jos, and Forensic Investigation at University of Lagos.
Joining the Nigeria Police Force
Tunji Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He served as Divisional Police Officer in multiple states including Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers. He headed Special Anti-Robbery Squads and anti-kidnapping units, demonstrating operational effectiveness that earned steady promotion through the ranks.
International Peacekeeping in Sudan
In 2005, Disu led the first Nigerian Police contingent on the African Union Mission in Sudan. While in Darfur, he was appointed Acting Chief of Staff. He returned in 2006 with enhanced international security experience.
Commander of Lagos Rapid Response Squad
Disu commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad from June 2015 to August 2021. He revolutionized the unit by rebranding officers as “The Good Guys,” changing public perception and building trust. The RRS adopted partnership-based, proactive policing focused on community engagement and crime prevention. His officers received First Aid and CPR training to assist citizens. The unit used crime mapping and hot spot policing for strategic patrol deployment. During the 2020 End SARS protests, Disu released RRS ambulances to help protesters needing medical care. The RRS received the Best Anti-Crime Police Squad Award in West Africa in 2016.
Head of Intelligence Response Team
On August 2, 2021, Disu was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team, succeeding Abba Kyari. He led operations dismantling sophisticated criminal networks. In July 2022, his team arrested a fraud syndicate specialized in breaching bank accounts.
Commissioner of Police: Rivers State and FCT
Disu became Rivers State Commissioner in November 2023, tackling cultism, kidnapping, and political violence. He successfully pursued notorious cult leader Daddy Chukwu, who had evaded capture since 2017. He promoted community policing and collaboration with local vigilante groups. In September 2025, he was transferred to FCT Abuja as Commissioner of Police. In January 2025, his adopted son Adams died in a car accident in Abuja.
Appointment as Inspector-General of Police
Before becoming Acting IGP, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department Annexe at Alagbon, Lagos. He also served as Principal Staff Officer to Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun. On February 24, 2026, President Bola Tinubu appointed Disu as Acting Inspector-General following Egbetokun’s resignation. The president cited Disu’s operational depth, experience, and leadership capacity. At 59, Disu assumes office weeks before his 60th birthday on April 13, 2026.
Professional Memberships and Judo Achievements
Disu is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and International Academy of Forensics. He is a third dan black belt judoka who began practicing in 1986. He won gold at the 1990 National Sports Festival, two golds at Nigerian Police Games, and gold at the 2021 Police Veteran Championship. On July 31, 2022, he won silver at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in the under-100kg veteran division. He formerly chaired Lagos State Judo Association and currently serves as patron of Nigerian Police Judo Association.
Personal Life and Leadership Philosophy
Disu is married and maintains a private personal life. He raised his wife’s nephew Adams as his own son. Throughout his career, he has focused on service rather than self-promotion. During his Rivers State tenure, he maintained minimal social contact with political elites despite the state’s volatile climate, choosing integrity over compromise. His net worth is modest, reflecting a career built on public service. Disu’s leadership philosophy centers on “policing with a human face,” balancing crime-fighting with community engagement. He emphasizes proactive problem-solving and community trust as central to sustainable crime reduction.
Challenges and Legacy
As Acting IGP, Disu inherits challenges including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and public distrust following End SARS protests. Resource constraints and political interference pose ongoing difficulties. Before becoming IGP, Disu transformed Lagos RRS, proving police reform is possible with committed leadership. His work in Rivers State demonstrated that difficult security challenges can be overcome with determination. His international peacekeeping experience and academic credentials position him to introduce global best practices into Nigerian policing.
Final Thoughts
Tunji Disu’s appointment as Nigeria’s 23rd Inspector-General of Police marks a significant moment in law enforcement history. His 34-year journey from cadet officer to the top position exemplifies dedication, competence, and integrity. His track record of transforming police units and achieving measurable crime reduction provides hope for positive change. The challenges facing Nigeria’s security landscape are immense, requiring vision, courage, and collaboration. Disu’s diverse experience from local policing to international peacekeeping positions him uniquely to address these challenges. As he assumes office, Nigerians watch with cautious optimism, hoping his proven leadership capabilities will translate into enhanced security and professional policing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Tunji Disu?
Tunji Disu is Nigeria’s Acting Inspector-General of Police appointed on February 24, 2026. Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, he is a career police officer with 34 years of service. He previously served as Commander of Lagos RRS, head of the Intelligence Response Team, and Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and FCT Abuja.
Q2: How old is Tunji Disu?
Tunji Disu is 59 years old as of February 2026. He was born on April 13, 1966, and will turn 60 in April 2026. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, at the age of 26 years.
Q3: What is Tunji Disu’s educational background?
Disu holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University. He has two Master’s degrees—one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University. He completed numerous specialized training programs both in Nigeria and internationally.
Q4: What was Tunji Disu known for before becoming IGP?
Disu was famous as Commander of Lagos State Rapid Response Squad from 2015 to 2021, where he branded officers as “The Good Guys.” He later headed the Intelligence Response Team and served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and FCT Abuja. He is also a decorated judoka with international medals.
Q5: Is Tunji Disu married?
Yes, Tunji Disu is married. He maintains a private personal life and rarely discusses his family in public. In January 2025, the family experienced tragedy when his adopted son Adams died in a car accident in Abuja.
Q6: What are Tunji Disu’s sports achievements?
Disu is a third dan black belt judoka. He won gold at the 1990 National Sports Festival, two golds at Nigerian Police Games, and gold at the 2021 Police Veteran Championship. His most notable achievement is a silver medal at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship in July 2022, competing in the under-100kg veteran division.
Q7: Why was Tunji Disu appointed as IGP?
President Bola Tinubu appointed Disu following Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation in February 2026. The president cited Disu’s operational depth, experience, and demonstrated leadership capacity as reasons. His reputation for professionalism and reform-driven policing influenced the decision.
