When Tunji Disu wrote in 2025 that “law and order do not begin at the police station or the courthouse… they begin at home,” few knew the statement would foreshadow his rise to the pinnacle of policing in Nigeria.
On Tuesday, the 59-year-old judoka and former Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was named Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), marking a defining moment in a 30-year career shaped by discipline, reform, and community-focused policing.
In a profession often weighed down by public mistrust, Disu has built a reputation that draws uncommon praise from residents, stakeholders, and community leaders alike. From Lagos to Rivers and Abuja, his postings have been marked by a blend of firmness and approachability — a rare balance in Nigeria’s tough security climate.
As Commander of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad, Disu rebranded his team as “The Good Guys,” a strategic move aimed at softening public skepticism toward the police.
The charm, however, never diluted operational effectiveness. Under his watch, the squad earned the title of “Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa” from Security Watch Africa, cementing its reputation as a formidable crime-fighting unit.
Affable yet disciplined, Disu’s leadership style reflects his background in judo — controlled strength, strategic restraint, and swift response when necessary.
Now stepping in as Acting IGP at a time of complex security challenges, expectations are high. For many observers, Disu’s philosophy — that order begins at home — may well shape the tone of policing under his watch.
Nigeria’s top cop may have changed, but one message rings clear: discipline, community trust, and decisive action will define the Disu era.
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