IGP Egbetokun Quits Over ‘Family Reasons’ — Tinubu Names Disu Replacement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing “pressing family considerations,” bringing an early end to a tenure that was originally scheduled to run until June 2027.

The Presidency disclosed on Monday that the President received Egbetokun’s resignation letter earlier in the day and “expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.”

The statement noted that the President acknowledged the outgoing police chief’s “dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.”

Egbetokun, who was appointed Inspector-General of Police in June 2023, had been serving a four-year term in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

His resignation, the statement indicated, was voluntary and predicated on personal considerations.

In swift response to the development, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police “with immediate effect.”

The move, according to the Presidency, was taken “in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation” and in accordance with “extant laws and legal guidance.”

The President expressed confidence in the acting appointee, stating that AIG Disu’s “experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.”

The appointment is subject to the statutory process outlined in the Police Act 2020.

In compliance with the law, the President will “convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police,” after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

The Presidency reiterated that the administration remains resolute in its security agenda, stressing its “unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.”

The latest development marks a significant transition in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force at a time the government says it is intensifying efforts to reinforce the country’s internal security framework.