By Ghazali Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed AIG Tunji Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police, placing a career officer with more than three decades in the force at the helm of Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Disu’s appointment follows a leadership change at the Nigeria Police Force and comes at a time when the country continues to battle insecurity, public distrust of law enforcement, and calls for deeper police reform.
His Background
Tunji Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has served in various operational and investigative capacities across the country. Over the years, he built a profile as an officer experienced in both field operations and intelligence-driven policing.
He is an alumnus of Lagos State University, where he studied English Education in 1990. He also holds advanced degrees in Public Administration and in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology.
Key Roles He Has Held
Before his elevation, Disu headed the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos, one of the police’s most strategic investigative commands.
He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and in the Federal Capital Territory, two postings widely regarded as sensitive due to political and security complexities. He also led the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a unit tasked with tackling high-profile crimes, and earlier commanded the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, known for urban crime control.
These roles exposed him to counter-kidnapping operations, organized crime investigations, and urban policing challenges.
A Judo Champion
Beyond his decades of policing experience, Acting Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu is also a decorated judo champion, a distinction that sets him apart in Nigeria’s security leadership. Disu began practising judo in 1986 and went on to compete successfully at national, police and international levels before rising to the top of the Nigeria Police Force. He holds a third dan black belt and has won multiple gold medals at events such as the National Sports Festival and the Nigerian Police Games. In 2022, Disu clinched a silver medal at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship, competing in the minus-100kg veteran division against judokas from around the world.
His involvement in the sport extends beyond competition: he has served as chairman of the Lagos State Judo Association and is the patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association, roles that reflect his commitment to physical discipline, strategic thinking and the development of sporting talent within the force.
A Well-deserved Appointment
Disu takes over at a delicate time for the Nigeria Police Force. Public confidence in policing remains fragile, especially among young Nigerians who continue to demand accountability and professionalism.
Security experts say his experience in intelligence and investigations may signal an emphasis on strengthening crime detection and internal discipline. However, expectations are high. Beyond operational success, many Nigerians want reforms that address police misconduct, welfare concerns within the force, and better community engagement.
The Bigger Picture
The appointment reflects President Tinubu’s constitutional authority over national security leadership. It also places responsibility squarely on Disu to demonstrate that leadership change can translate into measurable improvements in safety and public trust.
As he assumes office, Nigerians will be watching closely, not just for tactical successes, but for signs of deeper institutional reform in a force that plays a central role in the country’s democratic stability.
