Presidency Confirms Kayode Egbetokun’s Resignation as IGP: A New Era for the Nigeria Police Force

 

​In a major shake-up within Nigeria's security hierarchy, the Presidency has officially confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). This development, announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2024, marks a significant turning point for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While the official narrative cites personal reasons for the exit, the transition has sparked intense discussion across the country regarding the future of national security and the strategic direction of the police force.

​The Official Statement: "Pressing Family Considerations"

​The confirmation of Egbetokun’s exit was made public through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the Presidency, President Tinubu accepted the resignation after receiving a formal letter from Egbetokun, in which the outgoing police chief cited "pressing family considerations" as the primary reason for his decision to step down.

​President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service. The President commended his dedication, professionalism, and the "steadfast commitment" he showed in strengthening the nation's internal security architecture during his tenure. Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023, was originally slated to serve until June 2027 following controversial amendments to the Police Act that allowed for a fixed four-year term regardless of age or years of service.

​The Behind-the-Scenes Reality: A Planned Transition?

​Despite the official "family reasons" narrative, multiple insider reports suggest a more complex story. Sources within the Presidential Villa indicate that the resignation followed a closed-door meeting on Monday evening where the President reportedly requested a leadership transition.

​Analysts point to several factors that may have influenced this move:

• ​Persistent Insecurity: Despite structural changes, the wave of banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist activities in northern corridors remained a significant challenge.
• ​Policy Alignment: There were reports of friction regarding the implementation of State Police, a project the President is reportedly eager to fast-track but which some felt the police leadership was "unenthusiastic" about.
• ​The Taraba Crisis: Recent escalations in Taraba State, which saw significant loss of life in February 2026, are believed to have acted as a final catalyst for the change in command.

​Enter AIG Tunji Disu: The New Face of the NPF

​In an immediate move to prevent a leadership vacuum, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu to serve as the Acting Inspector-General of Police.

​Tunji Disu is a name well-known within the Nigerian security space. Before this elevation, he served as the Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He also gained national prominence as the head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), where he succeeded Abba Kyari. With two master's degrees—one in Criminology and another in Public Administration—Disu is seen as a modern, "tech-forward" officer with the operational depth required to tackle Nigeria's evolving security threats.

​Legal Steps to Substantive Appointment

​The appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP is the first step in a constitutional process. To make the appointment substantive, the following must occur:

1. ​Police Council Meeting: President Tinubu will convene the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment.
2. ​Senate Confirmation: Once cleared by the Council, his name will be transmitted to the Nigerian Senate for screening and final confirmation.

​The Presidency has expressed absolute confidence that Disu's leadership will provide the "steady and focused direction" the force needs during this critical period.

​What This Means for Nigeria's Security

​The exit of Kayode Egbetokun and the entry of Tunji Disu come at a time when Nigerians are demanding more accountability and efficiency from the police. The new leadership is expected to prioritize:

• ​Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Leveraging Disu’s background in the IRT to preempt criminal activities.
• ​Community Policing: Rebuilding trust between the police and the public through more transparent operations.
• ​Modernization: Implementing the digital reforms necessary to fight 21st-century crime, including cybercrime and organized kidnapping rings.

​Conclusion

​The resignation of Kayode Egbetokun marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter in the history of the Nigeria Police Force. As Tunji Disu takes the reins, the eyes of the nation—and the world—are on him to see if he can deliver the "Renewed Hope" for security that the Tinubu administration has promised. For now, the focus remains on a smooth transition and the urgent need to stabilize the country's internal security.