Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from his post, the Presidency has confirmed. Official reports state that Mr Egbetokun stepped down on Tuesday, citing “family issues” that require his “undivided attention.” The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. However, sources within the Presidential Villa suggest the departure may not have been entirely voluntary. It is understood that Mr. Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday evening.
Sudden departure
The resignation follows a series of high-level meetings at the State House. Witnesses noted the police chief’s arrival at the Presidential Villa at approximately 18:40 local time on Monday, around the same time state governors were arriving for an interfaith Ramadan fast-breaking event (Iftar) with the President.While the police chief’s presence was initially thought to be routine, sources confirmed he had been specifically summoned by the President.
Security crisis
Mr Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023, has faced intense scrutiny in recent months over a surge in violent crime across Nigeria. Despite various security operations, the country has been hit by a wave of mass kidnappings and banditry, including:
November 2025: The abduction of nearly 300 pupils from a boarding school in Niger State.
February 2026: Mass killings in several communities in Kwara State.
Highway insecurity: Persistent reports of ransom kidnappings on major transport routes.
A shift toward State Police
The resignation coincides with a significant policy shift by the Tinubu administration. During his meeting with governors on Monday, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to establishing state-led police forces to replace the current centralised system.”Security is the foundation of prosperity,” the President said, arguing that the move is essential to protecting farms and businesses. Mr. Egbetokun previously served as Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department before taking the top job.
New leadership
In a swift move to fill the vacancy, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. Mr. Disu, known for his previous leadership of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), must now be formally considered by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmed by the Senate to take the role substantively.
Add Comment