Disu Assumes Office as 23rd Indigenous IGP, Vows to Deepen Reforms
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has formally assumed duty as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, pledging to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen internal security architecture across the country.
Disu takes over from, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who served as the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police from June 19, 2023, to February 24, 2026.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Nigeria Police Force expressed profound appreciation to Egbetokun for his “invaluable contributions to the growth, modernisation and strengthening of the Force.”
Profile of the New IGP
Born on April 13, 1966, Disu hails from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. He brings to the office over three decades of operational, investigative, intelligence and administrative experience, having joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992.
Until his appointment, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
The new police boss boasts an impressive academic portfolio. His qualifications include an MSc in Entrepreneurship from the National Open University of Nigeria (2023); MSc in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University (2022); an Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence from the University of Lagos (2019); MSc in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University (2010); Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lagos State University (2000); and a Bachelor of Arts in English (Education) from Lagos State University (1990).
Distinguished Career
Over the years, Disu has held several strategic positions within the Force. He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Special Protection Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Police Command; and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command.
He also held key roles including Commissioner of Police, Administration and Intelligence, Force Intelligence Bureau; Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the Intelligence Response Team; and Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos, from 2015 to 2021.
Other postings include Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Rivers State; Officer in Charge of Anti-Kidnapping, Rivers State; Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Ondo and Oyo States between 2011 and 2014; Divisional Police Officer in Ondo State; Officer in Charge of Training, Nigeria Police Peacekeeping Department; Directing Staff at the Nigerian Police Academy, Kano; Aide-de-Camp to a former Governor of Lagos State; and Officer in Charge of Anti-Fraud at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Katsina, from 1993 to 1998.
Notably, Disu led the first-ever Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan in 2005, where officers were deployed to quell the crisis in Darfur.
Professional Affiliations, Sporting Laurels
The Acting IGP is a member of several professional bodies, including the International Academy of Forensics; National Association of Investigative Specialists (United States); Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; Chartered Institute of Personnel Management; and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Beyond policing, Disu is an accomplished sportsman. A former National Chairman of the Nigeria Police Judo Association, he holds a third-degree black belt in Judo and won a silver medal at the 2022 US Open Judo Championships.
Commitment to Security, Professionalism
In his inaugural remarks, Disu reassured officers and men of the Force, stakeholders and the general public of his commitment to consolidating existing reforms, enhancing internal security, strengthening community partnerships and advancing the Force’s mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.
“The Nigeria Police Force solicits the continued support and cooperation of the public as the new leadership works to deepen professionalism, discipline and service delivery,” the statement added.
With a career spanning over three decades and marked by extensive field and administrative experience, it is believed that Disu’s appointment has come at a critical time as the Force seeks to reinforce public trust and address evolving security challenges nationwide.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
