Olatunji Ridwan Disu is a highly decorated, strategic, and operationally seasoned senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force, whose career spans over three decades of intelligence-led policing, crime prevention, counter-terrorism, and institutional leadership. Widely respected for his professionalism, discipline, and results-driven approach, he brings deep experience to his role as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
Background
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Mr. Disu hails from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force on 18 May 1992 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), marking the beginning of a distinguished career characterized by steady progression and impactful service.
Policing Career and Experience
Mr. Disu has served in critical operational, intelligence, and administrative capacities across Nigeria, earning a reputation as one of the most effective crime-fighting officers of his generation.
• Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG),
Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos — February 2026 to date
• Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG),
Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja — March 2025 – February 2026
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command — October 2024 – March 2025
• Commissioner of Police,
Rivers State Police Command — November 2023 – October 2024
• Commissioner of Police (Admin & Intelligence),
Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) — March 2023 – June 2023
• Deputy Commissioner of Police,
Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) — August 2021 – March 2023
• Deputy Commissioner of Police,
Admin Operations, Force Headquarters — 2021
• Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos — 2015 – 2021
• Assistant Commissioner of Police,
Criminal Investigation Department, Rivers State — 2014 – 2015
• Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Rivers State — 2014 – 2015
• Officer-in-Charge, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ondo & Oyo States — 2011 – 2014
• Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ondo State — 2007 – 2013
• Officer-in-Charge, Training,
Nigerian Police Peace-Keeping Department — 2006 – 2007
• Directing Staff, Nigerian Police Academy, Kano — 2005
• Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the former Governor of Lagos State,
Bola Ahmed Tinubu — 1999
• Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Fraud Unit, State CID, Katsina — 1993 – 1998
Education
Mr. Disu combines operational expertise with strong academic grounding:
• MSc, Entrepreneurship — National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), 2023
• MSc, Criminology, Security & Legal Psychology — Lagos State University (LASU), 2022
• Advanced Diploma, Forensic Investigation & Criminal Intelligence — University of Lagos, 2019
• MSc, Public Administration — Adekunle Ajasin University, 2010
• PGD, International Relations & Strategic Studies — LASU, 2000
• BA, English (Education) — LASU, 1990
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Mr. Disu has received numerous national and continental honors, reflecting his impact on crime control and public safety:
• Best Commissioner of Police of the Year, IGP Recognition Awards — 2024
• Crime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (CRAN) Man of the Year — 2018
• Most Outstanding Police Operational Officer in Africa — 2016
• Most Outstanding Police Operational Officer in West Africa — 2016
• Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa (RRS/SWA Award) — 2016
• Lagos State named Best Security & Safety-Conscious State in Africa — 2016
• Most Outstanding Urban Crime Control Police Command in West & Central Africa (RRS) — 2019
• One of the longest-serving and best DPOs in Ondo State
Professional Memberships
• Member, International Academy of Forensics
• Member, National Association of Investigative Specialists (USA)
• Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police
• Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
• Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM)
• Certificate in Personal Protection
International Peacekeeping and Special Achievements
In 2005, Mr. Disu successfully led the first-ever Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), playing a key role in stabilizing the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
A disciplined martial artist, he holds a Third Dan Black Belt in Judo, serves as National Chairman, Nigeria Police Judo Association, and won a Silver Medal at the 2022 US Open Judo Championships.
With an exceptional blend of intelligence leadership, operational command, academic depth, and international exposure, Olatunji Ridwan Disu stands out as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished police officers. His appointment as Acting Inspector-General of Police reflects a career defined by integrity, effectiveness, and unwavering commitment to national security and public safety.J
