In a move that has reverberated through the corridors of power and across the 36 states of the Federation, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Olatunji Disu, has been tipped to ascend the highest throne in Nigerian law enforcement. Following reports of the transition from the tenure of Kayode Egbetokun, Disu’s rise to the pinnacle of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) marks the crowning achievement of a career defined by intellectual depth, tactical brilliance, and a rare brand of "people-centered" policing.
To many, Disu is not just an officer; he is the "soundproof security chief" - a man who achieves unusual success without the clamour of self-congratulations.
A pedigree of excellence
Born on Lagos Island in 1966, Disu’s journey is one of academic rigor meeting field grit. Unlike the traditional "strongman" archetype of the police, Disu is a scholar-practitioner. He holds:
a Bachelor’s in English Education, Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Criminology; specialised training from the University of Cambridge (Internet Fraud), and the United Kingdom (Personal Protection).
This intellectual foundation allowed him to approach crime not just as a physical threat, but as a complex social puzzle.
Rise through the ranks
Disu’s career is a roadmap of Nigeria's most challenging security terrains. His "superlative" service is best captured in three defining chapters.
The "good guys" of Lagos (RRS)
As the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos (2015–2021), Disu performed a miracle: he made the public love the police. Under his "Policing by Consent" model, the RRS became known as "The Good Guys." He introduced social media engagement, rapid intervention, and a zero-tolerance policy for officer misconduct, turning a feared unit into a community shield.
Stabilizer of Rivers State
In 2023, Disu was deployed to the volatile Rivers State Command. Within months, he did what many thought impossible: his team neutralised the notorious serial kidnapper Gift Okpara (alias "2Baba"), the man behind the brutal murder of DPO Bako Angbashim, an Area Commander in Bori. This feat earned him the prestigious "Commissioner of Police of the Year" award at the 2024 Nigeria Police Awards.
The architect of FCT security
In late 2024, Disu took over the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. His tenure saw a 15.1% reduction in crime, the recovery of over ₦409 million in cash from criminal syndicates, and the rescue of nearly 100 kidnapped victims.
Career milestones at a glance
2005 - AU Peacekeeping (Darfur) - Led the first-ever Nigeria Police contingent to Sudan.
2015–2021 - Commander, Lagos RRS Rebranded the unit and pioneered community-led response.
2021 - Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Restored integrity to the elite unit during a period of crisis.
2023–2024 - CP, Rivers State - Neutralized high-profile cultists and kidnappers.
2025–2026 AIG, FCID Alagbon - Strengthened investigative capacity and anti-corruption measures.
The "Disu method": Strategy over force
What sets the new IGP apart is his methodology. While others rely on "fire for fire," Disu relies on alternative dispute resolution. He chooses mediation in conflicts before they turn violent. He loves technological integration in solving crimes. Using cyber-intelligence to dismantle fraud and kidnapping rings.
AIG Disu is a man of humility. He is known to personally call victims of crime and seek advice from journalists and local elders - a trait that led the Rumueme Council of Chiefs in Rivers State to name him an "illustrious son."
The road ahead
As he steps into the role of the 23rd Inspector General of Police, the expectations are gargantuan. Nigeria faces a complex tapestry of banditry, cybercrime, and institutional decay. Yet, if his track record from the streets of Lagos to the creeks of Rivers is any indication, Tunji Disu does not just manage the Force - he transforms it.
The "Soundproof Chief" has finally taken the stage. The nation is watching, and for the first time in a long time, the public seems ready to cheer.
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