Tunji Disu: Background, age, family and career of Nigeria’s new Acting IGP

The appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police marks a major transition in Nigeria’s security leadership. On February 24, 2026, President Bola Tinubu approved his elevation following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, ushering in a new chapter for the Nigeria Police Force.

Here is a detailed look at his background, age, family, and professional journey.

Tunji Disu Early Life and Educational Background

Born Olatunji Rilwan Disu on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Disu hails from Lagos State. Growing up in Nigeria’s commercial capital exposed him to the vibrancy and complexities of urban life, an experience that would later shape his approach to policing.

He attended Mayflower Junior School in Ogun State before proceeding to St. Gregory’s College in Lagos, where he completed his secondary education in 1985.

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Disu earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, as well as two Master’s degrees, one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, and another in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.

His academic credentials reflect a blend of communication skills, administrative expertise, and security-focused scholarship.

Age and Career Milestones

As of February 2026, Disu is 59 years old. With over three decades of service, he represents a generation of officers who have witnessed Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, from militancy and insurgency to cybercrime and transnational fraud.

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He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State.

Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks, holding strategic operational and administrative roles nationwide.

PROFILE OF THE BRAND NEW ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE – OLATUNJI RIDWAN DISU @TunjiDisu1

Place Of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria.
LGA: Lagos Island.
State Of Origin: Lagos State.
Date Of Appointment: 18th May 1992.
Appointed As: Assistant Superintendent of Police.

EXPERIENCE:… pic.twitter.com/Iz57cG69DL

— Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) February 24, 2026

Family Life

Despite his high-profile career, Disu maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married and is a father. In July 2023, he publicly celebrated his daughter Fikeyinmi Disu’s wedding in Lagos, an event attended by dignitaries and close associates.

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In January 2025, his family faced a personal challenge when his son was involved in a serious car accident in Abuja. The incident drew public sympathy and underscored the human side of a senior security official accustomed to managing national crises.

Professional Career and Leadership Roles

Disu’s policing career spans multiple operational commands and specialized units.

He served as: Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in several states, Officer in Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping units, and Second-in-Command of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Rivers State.

In 2005, he led the first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), serving in Darfur as Acting Chief of Staff.

Between 2015 and 2021, Disu commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), where he rebranded the unit as “The Good Guys,” emphasising intelligence-led and community-based policing.

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In 2021, following the suspension of Abba Kyari, he was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), leading major operations against cyber fraud and financial crimes.

He later served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory before his appointment as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force CID Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

Achievements Beyond Policing

Beyond law enforcement, Disu is an accomplished judoka. He holds a third-degree black belt in judo and has won multiple medals at national and police games. In 2022, he earned a silver medal at the 33rd U.S. Open Judo Championship.

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He previously chaired the Lagos State Judo Association and serves as patron of the Nigerian Police Judo Association.