Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu stands out as one of the most impactful senior officers in the Nigeria Police Force — a strategist, reformer, and community-focused leader whose career has consistently generated measurable gains in public safety and institutional credibility.
Early Life and Education
Born on 13 April 1966 in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu’s journey into policing was grounded in solid academic and professional preparation. He began his education at Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School and Mayflower Junior School, Ikenne, before completing his secondary studies at Pobuna Secondary Grammar School, Epe, and St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English (Education) from Lagos State University (LASU), later adding advanced studies through a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, a Master’s in Public Administration (Adekunle Ajasin University), and a Master’s in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology (LASU).
Disu has also completed numerous specialised police and security courses — from Small Arms Smuggling Training in Botswana to Internet Fraud Training at Cambridge University, UK, Strategic Leadership at the Police Staff College, and Forensic & Criminal Intelligence Studies at the University of Lagos — deepening his operational expertise.
Police Career and Major Commands
Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on 18 May 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Over three decades, his career trajectory has spanned frontline operations, intelligence command, federal headquarters leadership, and state command responsibility.
Early Roles:
He served with distinction as Divisional Police Officer in multiple states and commanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ondo, Oyo and Rivers States. Disu was also second-in-command at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Rivers State.
International Peacekeeping:
In 2005, he led the first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan (AMIS), where he was appointed Acting Chief of Staff — a testament to his leadership under challenging conditions.
Rapid Response and Reform in Lagos:
Between 2015 and 2021, Disu commanded the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State, earning widespread praise for transforming it into a proactive, community-oriented policing outfit. Under his leadership, the unit pioneered “policing by consent”, emphasising engagement, education, and de-escalation alongside crime suppression, winning accolades across West and Central Africa.
Intelligence Leadership:
In August 2021, he was appointed Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at the Force Headquarters, succeeding his predecessor during a critical period of institutional reform.
Federal Capital Command:
Disu was later deployed as Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where his intelligence-led operations reportedly led to the arrest of more than 1,000 criminals and the dismantling of numerous crime networks, enhancing safety across key sectors of the capital.
State Command Excellence:
As Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, his leadership earned him the Nigeria Police “Commissioner of Police of the Year” Award, recognising his success in tackling notorious criminal syndicates and restoring public confidence in a complex security environment.
In March 2025, the Police Service Commission elevated Disu to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, further acknowledging his distinguished service.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
AIG Disu is widely recognised not only for tactical effectiveness, but for a community-centric, intelligence-driven approach to policing. His emphasis on professional training, ethical conduct, proactive engagement and public trust has differentiated his commands from traditional enforcement models, contributing to more sustainable security outcomes.
Beyond the Uniform: Athletic and Professional Accolades
Disu is a celebrated athlete — a third-dan black belt judoka and medal winner at national and international competitions, including a silver medal at the US Open Judo Championship. He has served as Chairman of the Police Judo Association and Lagos State Judo Association, demonstrating his commitment to discipline and excellence both on and off duty.
He also holds memberships in prestigious professional bodies such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.
Conclusion:
Throughout his distinguished career, AIG Tunji Disu has repeatedly turned strategic vision into operational success, earning respect across Nigeria’s security architecture and among the public. Wherever he is posted — be it Lagos, Rivers, Abuja or now the CID Annex in Alagbon, Lagos — his leadership leaves a lasting impact on organisational culture and community safety.
Congratulations on our envisaged success on your new posting and assignments.
Dr Sylvester Abudu Omose
Social-political and Religious Analyst
& Publisher Governance Today Nigeria
07037775558
