The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office following a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sources within the presidency confirmed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Preparations are reportedly underway for a formal handover ceremony.
He is expected to be succeeded by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), although an official announcement is still pending.
Appointment And Tenure
Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on 19 June 2023. His appointment was later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.
At the time of his appointment, he was 58 years old and was originally due for retirement in September 2024 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, the National Assembly amended the Police Act, enabling an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term irrespective of age or years of service, unless removed by the president.
Under that amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.
Legal Backing And Controversies
Despite criticism from sections of the public regarding his continued stay in office, the presidency had maintained that his tenure was legally supported by the amended Police Act 2024.
Egbetokun’s time in office was marked by several contentious issues, including allegations of human rights violations and debates over policing reforms.
Transition Process
Sources within both the presidency and police headquarters indicated that arrangements are being finalised for a structured transition to ensure continuity in police leadership.
While official confirmation is awaited, insiders suggest a public statement will clarify the circumstances surrounding the leadership change and outline the next steps.
The development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s security leadership structure, with attention now turning to how the incoming police chief will navigate ongoing security challenges and institutional reforms.
