When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu named Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police, the choice signalled a preference for experience, operational depth and intelligence-led policing at a time of heightened national security concerns.

Disu, a seasoned officer with more than three decades in the Nigeria Police Force, rose through the ranks after joining the force in May 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a disciplined field commander and investigator, serving in virtually all strata of policing — from divisional duties to high-level strategic command.

Born in Lagos and educated at Lagos State University, Disu holds degrees spanning English Education, International Relations, Public Administration, and Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology. His academic background is complemented by advanced professional training in forensic investigations, criminal intelligence, strategic leadership and cyber-enabled crime, both within Nigeria and abroad. Colleagues say this blend of scholarship and field experience shaped his methodical, intelligence-driven approach to law enforcement.

Operationally, Disu first gained wide public attention as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, where he led aggressive crime-prevention and rapid-intervention strategies in Nigeria’s commercial capital. He later headed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a tactical unit at the centre of the police’s fight against violent crime and kidnapping, before his elevation to Commissioner of Police.

As CP, Disu served in complex and politically sensitive commands, including Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In both postings, he managed public order, election security and violent crime under intense public scrutiny. His postings were widely seen as tests of both operational competence and political neutrality.

Before his appointment as Acting IGP, Disu was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos — a key hub for high-profile investigations. There, he oversaw efforts to strengthen investigative standards, improve case management and deepen inter-agency cooperation.

President Tinubu’s decision followed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing family reasons. In appointing Disu in an acting capacity, the President expressed confidence in his leadership ability to provide steady direction for the police amid evolving internal security threats.

Under the Police Act 2020, Disu’s appointment will be considered by the Nigeria Police Council, after which his nomination may be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation as substantive Inspector-General of Police.

As Acting IGP, Disu inherits a force grappling with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and public trust deficits. Security analysts say expectations are high that his intelligence-led background, emphasis on professionalism and operational discipline could help recalibrate policing standards nationwide.

For now, Tunji Disu stands at the helm of Nigeria’s police at a defining moment — tasked with stabilising internal security, restoring confidence in law enforcement and steering institutional reform in one of the country’s most critical security institutions.