In a shakeup of Nigeria’s police hierarchy, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the appointment takes immediate effect in line with existing laws.
According to the statement, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council in compliance with the Police Act 2020 to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police before forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation.
Here are five things to know about the acting IGP:
- World-Class Athlete
Beyond policing, Disu is a judoka who has competed in international championships. In August 2022, he won a silver medal at the U.S. Open Judo Championship in Brookline, Massachusetts, competing in the minus 100kg category of the veteran division.
- The ‘Good Guys’ Rebranding
As Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos from 2015 to 2021, Disu rebranded the unit as “The Good Guys.” The initiative was aimed at improving public trust and promoting a more professional and community-friendly policing culture.
- Strong Academic Background
Disu holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University. He also earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and another Master’s degree in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.
- Extensive Operational Experience
The Lagos-born officer has led major commands within the Nigeria Police Force. He served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State before his deployment to the Federal Capital Territory. He also headed the Intelligence Response Team, taking over from Abba Kyari in August 2021 under then IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
- Return to Abuja
Before his latest appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. His new role marks a return to Abuja, where he previously served as Commissioner of Police for the FCT.
Disu: A New Challenge Ahead
As Disu assumes office at the Louis Edet House in Abuja, expectations are high that his experience and community-focused policing philosophy will help address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and strengthen institutional professionalism within the force.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu appointed AIG Tunji Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police after Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation.
The appointment takes immediate effect, with a Nigeria Police Council meeting to be convened soon to consider Disu’s confirmation as substantive IGP, followed by Senate approval.
Nigerians expect his human-centered policing approach to help tackle ongoing national security issues.
