Olatunji Rilwan Disu (born April 13, 1966) is a Nigerian police officer and security strategist who currently serves as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria. He has built a reputation as a disciplined, intelligence-driven officer known for operational excellence, reform-oriented leadership, and community-focused policing.
He was born on Lagos Island, Lagos State, where he spent his early years. Over the course of more than three decades in the Nigeria Police Force, he has consistently demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to modern policing practices.
Tunji Disu Education and Early Career
Tunji Disu began his early education at Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School and completed it at Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne, Ogun State. He proceeded to Pobuna Secondary Grammar School, Epe, and later attended St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, where he completed his secondary education in 1985.
He gained admission into Lagos State University (LASU), where he studied English Education and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1990. He further expanded his academic background by obtaining a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from LASU, alongside a certificate in Personal Protection from the United Kingdom.
He also earned two master’s degrees, one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU. In addition, he attended several professional courses both locally and internationally, including specialized training in small arms smuggling in Botswana and internet fraud training at the University of Cambridge, further strengthening his expertise in modern security operations.
He officially joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, marking the beginning of a career defined by steady growth and operational excellence.
Tunji Disu Major Life Events
Tunji Disu’s career journey reflects discipline, resilience, and continuous professional growth. He served as Divisional Police Officer in several locations, including Ago-Iwoye, Ikare, Owo, and parts of Rivers State, gaining extensive grassroots policing experience. He also handled critical assignments as Officer in Charge of anti-robbery and anti-kidnapping units and served as second-in-command of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Rivers State.
In 2005, he led the first-ever Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan. During the peacekeeping mission in Darfur, he served as Acting Chief of Staff, an experience that broadened his international exposure and leadership capacity.
A defining phase of his career came when he served as Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) from 2015 to 2021. During this period, he rebranded the unit with a people-centered approach, referring to officers as “The Good Guys” and promoting a policing style rooted in trust, accountability, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the RRS adopted crime mapping, hotspot policing, and emergency response strategies that significantly improved public safety and strengthened citizen cooperation. His officers became known for assisting accident victims, supporting stranded motorists, and even providing emergency medical help during critical situations, including the COVID-19 lockdown period.
He later served as Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Force Headquarters before being appointed Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in 2021, a strategic role previously held by Abba Kyari. In this role, he led intelligence-driven operations, including the dismantling of major fraud syndicates targeting individuals and corporate institutions.
His career progressed further when he was promoted to Commissioner of Police in 2023. He served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and was later redeployed as Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where he oversaw critical security operations in Nigeria’s capital.
In February 2026, his career reached a defining milestone when Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him as the Acting Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun. This appointment marked the culmination of decades of service, positioning him as the leader of the Nigeria Police Force at a crucial time in the country’s security landscape
Tunji Disu Professional Achievements
Tunji Disu has built a career at the intersection of security operations, intelligence, leadership, and administration. Over the years, he has held several strategic positions that have shaped policing in Nigeria.
As Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, he led reforms that earned the unit regional recognition for excellence in crime control and operational efficiency. His leadership contributed to Lagos being recognized for improved security performance, while the RRS received awards as one of the most effective anti-crime units in West Africa.
He also gained recognition for his work in intelligence-led policing while heading the Intelligence Response Team, where he successfully coordinated operations that disrupted organized crime networks.
In addition to his operational achievements, he is a member of several professional bodies, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and other global security and forensic organizations. His affiliations reflect his commitment to professional development and global best practices in policing.
Tunji Disu Personal Life
Tunji Disu maintains a disciplined lifestyle shaped by years of service and personal development. Beyond his policing career, he is an accomplished athlete with a strong passion for martial arts.
He is a third dan black belt holder in judo and has competed at both national and international levels. He won a silver medal at the U.S. Open Judo Championship and has secured multiple gold medals in Nigerian police and national sports competitions. His involvement in judo extends beyond competition, as he has served as Chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association and currently acts as a patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.
Tunji Disu Legacy and Impact
Tunji Disu has established himself as a reform-driven police officer who emphasizes professionalism, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement. His leadership style focuses on building trust between law enforcement and citizens while improving operational efficiency.
His work with the Rapid Response Squad stands out as a model for modern policing in Nigeria, demonstrating how strategic reforms and citizen-focused initiatives can transform public perception and improve security outcomes.
Through decades of service, he has contributed significantly to shaping policing standards, strengthening intelligence operations, and mentoring officers within the Nigeria Police Force.
Conclusion
Tunji Disu’s journey reflects consistency, discipline, and strategic growth. From his early days as a cadet officer to becoming the Inspector-General of Police, he has built a career defined by resilience, leadership, and impact.
His appointment as IGP in 2026 represents not just a personal milestone but a critical moment for Nigeria’s security system. As he leads the force, he continues to carry the responsibility of driving reforms, strengthening national security, and reinforcing public trust in policing.
Leave a Reply