The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex in Lagos, Tunji Disu, has been named Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Prior to his appointment, Disu served as Commissioner of Police in both the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, before being reassigned to Abuja by the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Throughout his policing career, he has occupied several critical and strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force, including top roles in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), anti-kidnapping units, and various state criminal investigation departments.
Below are five key facts about the new police chief:
1. A people-centred approach during the EndSARS protests
Amid the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations, Disu, who was then Commander of the Lagos State Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), stood out for adopting a community-driven policing model.
Under his direction, RRS ambulances were mobilised to offer medical support to injured protesters. His style of engagement contributed to rebuilding public confidence in law enforcement, as residents voluntarily supplied intelligence with assurance of discretion.
Security analysts later described the RRS under Disu’s leadership as a model for professional, community-based policing.
2. Central role in the arrest of kidnap kingpin Evans
Disu played a prominent role in the operation that resulted in the arrest of notorious kidnapping kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans.
The suspect was captured at his residence in Magodo, Lagos, in what became one of the most notable successes in Nigeria’s battle against organised kidnapping and violent offences.
3. Cross-border recovery of stolen iPhones
In another major operation, Disu spearheaded investigations after a high-end iPhone store was burgled in South Africa.
Intelligence findings traced the stolen phones to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos. His prompt and coordinated intervention ensured their recovery and repatriation, earning praise from South African officials.
The operation also supported Lagos State’s 2016 recognition by Security Watch Africa as one of the safest states on the continent, while the RRS was rated the leading anti-crime police unit in West Africa.
4. Decisive crackdown on violent cultism in Rivers State
While serving as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Disu directed firm operations targeting violent cult groups disrupting local communities.
During his tenure, security forces neutralised notorious cult leader Gift Okpara, alias “2Baba,” identified as the principal suspect in the killing of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbashim in Ahoada East Local Government Area in 2023.
The mission combined coordinated ground operations with aerial surveillance, helping to restore relative calm to the troubled area.
5. Champion judoka and decorated officer
Outside his policing responsibilities, Disu is a seasoned judoka with decades of competitive participation.
At the U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022, he secured a silver medal, competing alongside more than 500 athletes from different countries.
He began practising judo in 1986 and has earned several medals over the years, including two gold medals at the National Sports Festival, as well as distinctions at the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces Games. In 2021, he also won gold at the Nigerian Police Veterans Championship.
