The Assistant (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos, Tunji Disu, has been appointed as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Before his elevation, Disu served as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, and was later deployed to Abuja by the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Over the course of his career, he has held several sensitive and strategic roles within the Nigeria Police Force, including leadership positions in the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), anti-kidnapping units and state criminal investigation departments.
Below are five notable facts about the new police chief:
1. A people-centred approach during the EndSARS protests
During the 2020 EndSARS protests, Disu, then Commander of the Lagos State Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), distinguished himself with a people-focused policing strategy.
Under his leadership, RRS ambulances were deployed to provide medical assistance to injured protesters. His engagement style helped rebuild trust between law enforcement and civilians, with residents willingly sharing intelligence, confident of confidentiality.
Security experts later cited the RRS under Disu as a benchmark for professional, community-oriented policing.
2. Central role in the arrest of kidnap kingpin Evans
Disu was a key figure in the operation that led to the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.
The suspect was apprehended at his Magodo residence in Lagos, marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s fight against organised kidnapping and violent crime.
3. Cross-border recovery of stolen iPhones
In another high-profile operation, Disu led investigations following the burglary of a major iPhone store in South Africa.
Intelligence reports traced the stolen devices to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos. His swift and coordinated response led to their recovery and return, drawing commendation from South African authorities.
The operation contributed to Lagos State’s recognition in 2016 by Security Watch Africa as one of Africa’s safest states, while the RRS emerged as the best anti-crime police unit in West Africa.
4. Decisive crackdown on violent cultism in Rivers State
As Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Disu led decisive operations against violent cult groups destabilising communities.
Under his command, security operatives neutralised notorious cult leader Gift Okpara, also known as “2Baba,” the prime suspect in the killing of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbashim in Ahoada East Local Government Area in 2023.
The operation involved coordinated land and aerial surveillance and helped restore a measure of stability to the area.
5. Champion judoka and decorated officer
Beyond policing, Disu is an accomplished judoka with decades of competitive experience.
At the U.S. Open Judo Championship in 2022, he won a silver medal, competing against more than 500 international athletes.
He began practising judo in 1986 and has won multiple medals, including two gold medals at the National Sports Festival, as well as honours at the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces Games. In 2021, he also clinched gold at the Nigerian Police Veterans Championship.
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