Olatunji Disu Appointed as Nigeria's 23rd Inspector-General of Police
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Olatunji Disu as Nigeria's new Inspector-General of Police, marking a significant leadership change in the nation's law enforcement hierarchy. Disu assumes the role in an acting capacity, pending formal confirmation procedures as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Transition of Police Leadership
Disu replaces Kayode Egbetokun, who had been serving as IGP since October 2023. Egbetokun's appointment followed the tenure of Usman Alkali Baba, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2021. Interestingly, Egbetokun was originally due to retire in September 2024 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, but legislative amendments to police regulations allowed him to potentially complete a full four-year term extending to October 2027.
The Nigeria Police Council confirmed Egbetokun's substantive appointment on October 31, 2023, following his initial acting capacity. Before ascending to the IGP position, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigations Department, bringing substantial investigative experience to the role.
Disu's Distinguished Career and Qualifications
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Olatunji Disu brings impressive academic credentials to his new position. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Lagos State University and has pursued advanced studies with two Master's degrees: one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University in Ondo State, and another in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.
Disu's professional development includes extensive training both domestically and internationally, with specialized programs covering:
- Small arms smuggling investigations
- Internet fraud detection and prevention
- Strategic leadership development
- Forensic investigation techniques
Progressive Police Service Journey
Joining the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992, Disu has steadily climbed through the ranks with assignments across critical operational areas. His training at the prestigious Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State, provided the foundation for a career marked by increasing responsibility and achievement.
Before his appointment as IGP, Disu served as the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Crime Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. His recent command assignments include:
- Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command (2023)
- Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Police Command (2024)
- Principal Staff Officer to then-IGP Kayode Egbetokun
Specialized Operational Leadership
Disu's career highlights include commanding two of Nigeria's most specialized police units. He served as commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), having been appointed to this critical position by former IGP Usman Alkali Baba on August 2, 2021, following the suspension of Abba Kyari. Additionally, he previously commanded the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State, demonstrating his capability in both intelligence-driven and rapid-deployment policing.
These diverse experiences across investigative, intelligence, administrative, and operational domains position Disu as a well-rounded leader prepared to address Nigeria's complex security challenges. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the Nigeria Police Force as it continues to evolve its strategies for maintaining public safety and combating crime nationwide.
