Presidency cites family reasons, but sources confirm IGP was asked to step down amid security crisis.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office, bringing an end to a tenure marked by controversy and mounting public criticism over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
The Presidency officially announced that Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, citing “family issues which require his undivided attention” . President Bola Tinubu accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Egbetokun’s “decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation” .
The Villa Meeting
However, multiple authoritative sources within the Presidency have confirmed that the resignation was not entirely voluntary. Egbetokun was summoned to the Presidential Villa on Monday evening, February 23, where he met with President Tinubu .
Eyewitnesses observed the IGP’s official Toyota Land Cruiser (number plate NPF-01) parked at the Villa forecourt around 6:40 p.m. Egbetokun, dressed in his black uniform without his cap, was seen requesting his notepad from an aide before proceeding inside . He arrived as governors were gathering for an interfaith Iftar with the President.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a highly placed official in the Presidency stated on condition of anonymity . Another source confirmed: “He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit” .
Security officials disclosed that the IGP returned to the Villa around 8:00 p.m., where his vehicle was subjected to a thorough search by DSS operatives .
Controversial Tenure
Egbetokun was appointed IGP on June 19, 2023, and was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with amended provisions of the Police Act . His tenure extension had been controversial from the start.
Born on September 4, 1964, Egbetokun reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024 . To keep him in office, the National Assembly hastily amended the Police Act in July 2024, creating a new provision allowing an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of age . Human rights lawyer Hamza Nuhu Dantani had faulted the amendment, describing it as “a glaring example of nepotism and disenchantment to morale and career progression” .
Mounting Security Crisis
Egbetokun’s tenure was overshadowed by a wave of high-profile security failures :
- November 2025: Nearly 300 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State
- February 2026: Mass killings in Kwara State communities, including the Woro massacre where over 176 persons were abducted
- Persistent kidnappings along major highways nationwide
- Deadly attacks in parts of Kwara and Ondo states
During Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu had declared that “security is the foundation of prosperity,” pledging that the establishment of state police would not be delayed .
Internal Grievances
Police sources expressed relief at Egbetokun’s removal, citing multiple grievances :
“Egbetokun’s tenure extension created lots of problems, as many people were denied promotion. He was promoting his brothers, friends, and girlfriends above hardworking police officers. His son was living a reckless lifestyle, extorting money from commissioners of police and other citizens.”
Another source added: “He lacked ideas and was not bringing any innovations to curb internal insecurity. Most crimes, especially in Kwara and Ondo, should have been curbed by the police, but the IGP did nothing. He was busy using cybercrime law to bully people up and down” .
A police officer at the Lagos State Command noted: “He should have left ever since his colleagues retired, but he was busy playing politics and knocking people’s heads together” .
The Successor
President Tinubu has appointed AIG Olatunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect . Disu, who headed the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex at Alagbon, Lagos, brings over three decades of experience, having previously commanded the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) .
The President expressed confidence that Disu’s “experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period” .
In compliance with the Police Act 2020, Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation .
Ripple Effects
Disu’s appointment is expected to trigger the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) who are senior to him, including DIG Frank Mba, DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi, DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, and others .
Police sources indicate that up to 29 senior officers (DIGs and AIGs) may be affected, in line with police tradition that when a subordinate is appointed IGP, superior officers may be required to exit the force .
Mixed Reactions
While many police officers celebrated Egbetokun’s departure , a Civil Society Organisation, Visionary Leaders Consensus (VLC), has opposed Disu’s appointment, noting that he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 60 in April 2026—barely two months away .
The group warned that “Nigeria could face another leadership change in the police force within weeks, creating instability at the top echelons of law enforcement” .
Official Statement
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed in a statement:
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention. President Tinubu received Egbetokun’s resignation and expressed profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation” .
Follow Us:
📘 Facebook: @okunreporters
🐦 X (Twitter): @okunreporter
🌐 Website: www.okunreporters.com.ng
Contact:
Editor
Òkun Reporters
editor@okunreporters.com.ng
About The Author
