Today, Nigerians recall the impact of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu's security operations in Rivers State, launched three years ago in response to the killing of Police Superintendent Bako Angbashim. Angbashim, a former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Police Division, was killed and beheaded at Odiemudie community in Ahoada East Local Government Area on September 8, 2023. His death heightened concerns over cult-related violence and insecurity in the area.
Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State, Dr Voke Emore, praised Disu's efforts in a statement marking the anniversary of Angbashim's death. Emore said the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, deployed Disu to Rivers State to strengthen security operations in Ahoada East, Ahoada West, and other troubled areas. Disu assumed duty as the 45th Commissioner of Police in Rivers on November 15, 2023.
Upon assuming duty, Disu declared, “Nobody kills a police officer and goes scot-free.” This statement became a major focus of the police response to security challenges in the state, particularly the search for David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba, identified as the prime suspect in Angbashim’s killing. Disu deployed intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and inter-agency cooperation in operations targeting criminal and cult groups.
These operations culminated in a police raid on the gang’s camp at Odiemudie on February 10, 2024, during which 2Baba sustained injuries and later died. Police intelligence subsequently led operatives to the suspect’s burial site at Ebrass in Ahoada West, where his remains were exhumed on February 23, 2024. This development brought some solace to the police and the community.
Emore also cited operations against other suspected cult figures, including Silas Oderereke, John Togo, David Izuma, and Peter Chukwu, popularly known as Daddy Chukwu. These operations increased security attention on communities affected by cult violence, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The community appreciated the efforts made by Disu during his tenure.
At Disu’s send-off ceremony on October 9, 2024, the then Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tammy Danagogo, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara, described him as an exceptional police officer who exceeded expectations despite the state’s challenging security and political environment. Disu's efforts were recognized at the federal level.
Disu's Rivers assignment underscored the role of intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and police leadership in addressing insecurity. His subsequent appointment as Inspector-General of Police further marked the progression of a career that remains linked in Rivers State to the security operations that followed Angbashim’s killing.
Key points
- Disu launched security operations in response to Angbashim's killing.
- The operations resulted in the death of 2Baba, the prime suspect in Angbashim's killing.
- Disu's efforts in Rivers State were recognized by the state and federal governments.
