Read Biography of Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji “Tunji” Disu

Disu Olatunji is among the top-ranking and experienced police officers in Nigeria who have been known to apply a contemporary model in policing, intelligence gathering, and community policing.

After being appointed as Inspector-General of Police in the wake of Egbetokun Kayode’s exit from his post by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Disu became among the most significant figures in the field of security.

Having had a police career for more than three decades, he has gained a name for himself as an officer who has exhibited professionalism, discipline, and excellence in crime fighting.

Early Life and Background

The well-known Olatunji Disu, whose nickname is “Tunji” Disu, was born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The boy brought up in the southwestern part of Nigeria at a time when the Nigerian family placed much value on education, discipline, and public service contributed significantly to forming his character and his devotion to service.

His early education started from Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School and then continued from Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne, Ogun State, where he finished his primary school education in 1979.

Afterwards, for his secondary education, he studied at Pobuna Secondary Grammar School in Epe and finally graduated from St. Gregory’s College in 1985.

This helped him to develop good skills of communication, leadership and knowledge of the society in Nigeria.

University Education and Professional Development

For further studies, Disu joined Lagos State University (LASU), where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English Education in the year 1990.

Seeking more knowledge and leadership skills, he proceeded to get a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relation and Strategic Studies from LASU.

His quest for knowledge did not end there. Disu also gained two Master’s Degrees; he got a Masters of Science in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University while he acquired another Masters of Science in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from LASU.

Apart from getting his various academic degrees, Disu also attended various courses, some local while others were overseas.

Amongst other areas, the courses covered forensic investigation, identification of internet fraud, intelligence operations, anti-kidnapping techniques, arms trafficking, strategic leadership and personal protection.

The above mentioned trainings have helped him meet security challenges in Nigeria.

Joining the Nigeria Police Force

Disu formally joined the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992.

At the onset of his career as a police officer, he took up various operational and investigational positions in a number of states such as Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, and Rivers States.

His formative years as a police officer were characterized by participation in operations and investigations in the police force.

With time, he was recognized for his operational prowess, investigative ability, and competence in handling challenging cases.

Disu served in several specialized police formations, such as the anti-robbery and anti-kidnapping units, where he got exposure to dealing with violent offenders and organized criminals.

He also held the position of Second-in-Command in the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Rivers State.

International Peacekeeping Experience

One of the major milestones in Disu’s career came in 2005 when he was selected as contingent commander of Nigeria’s first police unit deployed under the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS).

The mission was part of international peacekeeping efforts in the conflict-ridden Darfur region of Sudan.

During the operation, Disu served in leadership positions and was later appointed Acting Chief of Staff during the mission.

His performance earned him respect among international security personnel and strengthened his reputation as a capable police leader with global experience.

The peacekeeping mission exposed him to international policing standards, conflict management, intelligence coordination, and humanitarian operations.

Transformation of Lagos RRS

One of the most defining periods in the life of Disu would be when he was leading the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), which lasted from 2015 until 2021.

During his tenure, he revolutionized the RRS, making it one of the most recognizable police tactical teams in Nigeria.

Disu adopted innovative strategies that emphasized the gathering of information, quick response, cooperation with the community, and crime prevention.

Moreover, Disu adopted the motto, “The Good Guys,” with the aim of enhancing the relationship between police personnel and Lagosians.

Whereas police brutality had been the norm in police tactical teams, Disu advocated for policing that was service-oriented.

Some of the activities that characterized RRS officers under him include helping accident victims, stranded motorists, transporting sick people, and responding swiftly to emergencies.

One of the most lauded instances occurred during the coronavirus lockdown period when RRS officers allegedly assisted in moving a pregnant woman experiencing labor pains to a hospital.

He employed a unique leadership style that enhanced public trust and altered public perception about the unit.

Disu led the unit to adopt crime mapping, hot spot detection, first responder training, and enhanced operational monitoring techniques.

The unit received multiple awards while he was in office, including being ranked as the “Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa.”

Leadership of the Intelligence Response Team

The prominence of Disu as a Nigerian official continued to increase in August 2021 when he was chosen to lead the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) unit, replacing the controversial policeman, Abba Kyari.

The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) unit is considered one of the most essential intelligence and tactical units within the Nigerian Police Force, tasked with managing cases of kidnapping, terrorist activities, organized crimes, and high-profile investigations.

As the leader of the IRT unit, Disu oversaw enhanced efforts against criminal networks and improved intelligence-led policing.

Disu was known for playing a critical role in breaking up kidnapping gangs, internet fraud syndicates, and other organized criminal networks in Nigeria.

Promotion and Rise to Inspector-General

Disu rose through the ranks to become a Commissioner of Police in March 2023, which is another milestone in the progression of his career.

Through the years, he has been considered by many security experts to be one of the best police officers in the country owing to the experience he has acquired, his education, and his record as a leader.

The promotion of Disu to the position of Inspector-General of Police marks the climax of an illustrious career in policing through experience in the field and intelligence.

He will lead reforms that are geared towards the professionalization of policing, intelligence gathering, and crime prevention.

Professional Memberships and International Recognition

Tunji Disu is an individual who is a member of various organizations in Nigeria and abroad.

Some of these organizations include The International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), and the International Academy of Forensics.

Passion for Sports and Judo

Aside from his policing activities, Disu is a sports enthusiast, especially in the martial art form of judo.

Disu has been practicing judo since 1986, and currently, he has a third dan black belt.

Disu has also received several medals in both local and international tournaments, earning him a gold medal at the National Sports Festival in 1990 and several championships in the Nigerian Police Games.

In 2022, he earned himself a silver medal in the U.S. Open Judo Championship.

Disu has been the Chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association, and presently, he serves as the patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.

Legacy and Public Image

Through his career, Tunji Disu is recognized for encouraging intelligence-led policing, discipline, creativity, and community policing.

In the 2020 #EndSARS protests, his conduct while managing the operations at the Lagos Rapid Response Squad was hailed for focusing on ensuring public security and medical aid rather than using force.

To many Nigerians, he is seen as a reform-oriented policeman who can transform the Nigeria Police Force.

As the Inspector-General of Police, there is high hope that Disu will leverage his experience and expertise to address the security challenges in the country.