President Tinubu Names Olatunji Disu as Nigeria's New Police Inspector General
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Olatunji Disu as the Inspector General of Police, marking a significant leadership change in Nigeria's security architecture. This appointment follows the resignation of the former police chief, Kayode Egbetokun, and positions Disu as the 23rd individual to hold the country's top policing role.
Background and Early Career of the New Police Chief
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Olatunji Disu embarked on his policing journey when he joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. His extensive career, spanning more than three decades, has seen him serve in various capacities across multiple states, including Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Lagos, as well as at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Disu's policing experience encompasses a wide range of critical functions:
- Patrol commands and investigative units
- Intelligence operations and peacekeeping missions
- Leadership of specialized anti-crime units
- International assignments with the African Union
Educational Qualifications and Professional Training
The new Inspector General boasts an impressive academic background that complements his policing expertise. His educational journey began in Lagos and Ogun States, where he attended Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School and completed primary education at Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne in 1979.
His secondary education took place at Pobuna Secondary Grammar School in Epe and St. Gregory's College in Lagos, where he graduated in 1985. Disu then pursued higher education at Lagos State University, earning a bachelor's degree in English (Education) in 1990, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the same institution.
Disu further enhanced his qualifications with two master's degrees:
- Master's in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (2010)
- Master's in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University (2022)
His professional training extends internationally, including:
- Small Arms Smuggling Training in Botswana
- Internet Fraud Training at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom
- Strategic Leadership Command Course at the Police Staff College in Jos
- Courses in forensic investigations and criminal intelligence at the University of Lagos
Policing Career and State Assignments
Disu's policing career has been marked by diverse assignments across Nigeria. He served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in several locations:
- Ago Iwoye in Ogun State
- Ikare and Owo in Ondo State
- Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State
He later took on more specialized roles, heading the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping units in Rivers State. Disu also commanded SARS operations in Ondo, Oyo, and Rivers States at different periods and served as Second-in-Command of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Rivers.
International Peacekeeping and Intelligence Leadership
In 2005, Disu led the first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) as contingent commander. During his deployment in Darfur, he was appointed Acting Chief of Staff before returning to Nigeria in 2006, demonstrating his capability in international security operations.
His intelligence career advanced significantly when he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters in Abuja. On August 2, 2021, then Inspector General Usman Alkali Baba appointed him head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a unit previously led by Abba Kyari.
In July 2022, the Force leadership commended the Disu-led Force Intelligence Bureau Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT) for successful operations, including the arrest of a fraud syndicate accused of breaching bank accounts belonging to individuals and corporate organizations.
Recent Promotions and Current Appointment
The Nigerian Police Service Commission promoted Disu to Commissioner of Police in March 2023, recognizing his contributions to law enforcement. His career reached its pinnacle in February 2026 when President Tinubu appointed him as Inspector General of Police.
This appointment places Disu at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force during a critical period when issues of security reform, public trust, and operational efficiency remain central to national discourse. His extensive experience in both operational policing and intelligence leadership positions him to address the complex security challenges facing the nation.
The new Inspector General assumes office with expectations of implementing reforms that enhance police effectiveness and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement institutions across Nigeria.
