Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu expected to take over.
A source from the Presidency confirmed that Egbetokun submitted a resignation letter on Monday, citing family matters requiring his full attention. However, multiple sources indicated that his exit followed a direct request from the President during a private meeting on Monday evening.
Meanwhile earlier today, Nigerian activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore broke the news of Egbetokun’s resignation to journalists outside a court session, confirming that the development was imminent even before official statements were issued.
Egbetokun was appointed Nigeria’s 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, and his appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year. Following a 2024 amendment to the Police Act, he was legally allowed to serve a fixed four-year term, which would have run until October 31, 2027.
Before becoming IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, succeeding former police chief Usman Alkali Baba. His tenure faced intense public scrutiny over rising insecurity, including kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks across multiple states, with high-profile incidents such as mass abductions of schoolchildren and community killings drawing criticism.
Sources within the Presidency said preparations are underway for a formal handover, while an official announcement confirming Disu as the new IGP is expected shortly.
President Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to broader security reforms, including plans to establish state police to curb the nation’s growing insecurity.
Further updates are expected as the Presidency clarifies the leadership transition and next steps for the Nigeria Police Force.
