President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following the submission of his letter citing pressing family considerations.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Tinubu received Egbetokun’s resignation earlier on Tuesday and expressed profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. The President acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening the country’s internal security architecture during his tenure.
Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.
In view of the current security challenges, the President approved the appointment of Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.
The statement noted that Tinubu is confident that Disu’s experience, operational depth, and leadership capacity will provide steady direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this period.
In compliance with the Police Act 2020, the President will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional and accountable.
Multiple Presidency sources, however, indicated that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening. A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the decision was conveyed during that meeting.
Observers noted that the IGP’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with number plate NPF-01, was seen at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa around 6:40 pm on Monday. Egbetokun was reportedly dressed in his black uniform without his cap as he arrived for the meeting.
What You Should Know
Egbetokun’s resignation comes amid ongoing conversations about leadership and reform within the Nigeria Police Force.
Although his official letter cited family considerations, sources within the Presidency suggest the decision followed high-level consultations. His exit marks a significant leadership transition at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges across several regions.
The appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP ensures continuity pending formal approval by the Nigeria Police Council and Senate confirmation.
The development underscores the President’s constitutional authority over appointments in the security sector and signals a possible recalibration of policing strategy moving forward.
