The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Presidency sources confirmed on Monday that Egbetokun resigned after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Although official details of the discussion were not immediately disclosed, insiders said the decision was communicated directly to the police chief during the meeting.
He is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, currently an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex in Lagos.
Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, shortly after President Tinubu assumed office. His appointment was later confirmed by the Police Council on October 31, 2023.
At the time of his appointment, he was 58 years old and was originally due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, the National Assembly amended the Police Act, allowing an Inspector-General to serve a full four-year tenure, unless removed by the President.
The amendment paved the way for Egbetokun to remain in office beyond his retirement age, with his tenure expected to run until October 31, 2027.
During his time in office, Egbetokun oversaw several internal reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, including efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve officer welfare and enhance coordination in tackling violent crimes across the country.
With his resignation, attention now shifts to Tunji Disu, a seasoned officer with experience in criminal investigations and urban policing. Disu has previously served in key commands, earning a reputation for operational efficiency and firm enforcement strategies.
His anticipated appointment signals a new phase in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, at a time when the country continues to grapple with security challenges ranging from banditry and kidnapping to cybercrime and communal unrest.
As of press time, an official statement confirming the transition was still being awaited, but sources indicate that formalities regarding the handover process are already underway.
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