The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has appointed Tunji Disu, a deputy commissioner of police, to replace the suspended head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari. Mr Kyari was suspended by the police authorities after his indictment by the U.S. for his alleged role in the $1.1million fraud by Ramon Abass, popularly called Hushipuppi.
Mr Abba Kyari has denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Kyari was suspended by the Police Service Commission on the recommendation of the inspector general. The police said Mr Kyari’s suspension was to allow an independent investigation into the charges.
On Monday, the police spokesperson, Frank Mba, said in a statement that the police chief approved Mr Disu’s appointment on Monday, with a directive that he should resume work with immediate effect and refocus the unit for better service delivery
“The Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba on Monday 2nd August, 2021 approved the posting of DCP Tunji Disu as the new Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The posting of the officer is on the heels of Management’s decision to fill the leadership gap within the IRT and refocus the Unit for better service delivery,” Mr Mba said.
The statement said the inspector general charged Mr Disu to demonstrate his professional competence in his leadership of the unit. He also assured citizens that the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) will remain focused in the discharge of its duties in line with national statutes and international best practices.
Let me give you a brief history of the new head of IRT, who has just replaced DCP Abba Kyari.
He was born on April 17th, 1960 in Lagos State. He obtained a degree in English from Lagos State University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lagos University.
Prior to his appointment as the new Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Mr Disu was a former commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State. He was also the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He further studied a certificate course in personal protection from the United Kingdom and did a Master in Public Administration at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba in Ondo State.
He also attended several professional courses both at home and abroad. He joined the Nigeria Police in 1992 as a cadet ASP at Nigeria Police academy, Kaduna state. Tunji Disu served as the Aide-De-camp to former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He was in charge of the Special Anti Robbery Squad(SARS) in Ondo, Oyo and Rivers State. Before his appointment he was the ex-commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and he is married with children.
He has also attended several professional courses both at home and abroad including Small Arms Smuggling Training in Botswana, Internet Fraud Training at the Cambridge University, United Kingdom, Strategic Leadership Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, Forensic Investigations and Criminal Intelligence Course at the University of Lagos, amongst others.
Mr Disu is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and Chattered Institute of Personnel management, amongst other professional bodies.
Disu’s first stint at the RRS came to an end on April 10, 2019 after he was elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police from Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Before coming on board in RRS, Disu had previously served as the Aide-De-Camp to the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is now the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC).
He subsequently led the Nigeria Police contingent on African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to quell the crisis in the war-torn Darfur in 2005. He is from Lagos State.
