President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun from office as the Inspector-General of Police, bringing an end to his tenure which began in June 2023.
Presidential aides, who spoke in confidence, confirmed that the decision was taken after a meeting between the President and the former police boss at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening.
Radio Nigeria gathered from a source in the Presidency on Tuesday that Egbetokun is to be replaced by AIG Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force CID Annex, Lagos.
One of the aides simply stated, “Yes, Egbetokun is gone,” adding that a formal announcement was being prepared.
The Presidency later clarified that Egbetokun tendered his resignation in a letter dated Tuesday, citing family matters that require his “undivided attention.” The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a response to media inquiries.
However, sources within the Presidency disclosed that the former IGP was asked to step aside during his meeting with the President.
According to a highly placed official, the meeting was not routine but a direct summons.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that Egbetokun arrived at the State House at about 6:40 p.m. in his official vehicle and later returned around 8:00 p.m., when security checks were carried out by operatives.
Egbetokun’s exit comes amid mounting criticism over the nation’s security challenges, including persistent cases of kidnapping, banditry and terrorist attacks in several states.
Notable among recent incidents were the abduction of schoolchildren in Niger State and deadly attacks in parts of Kwara State.
During an interfaith Iftar with governors on Monday, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, declaring that the creation of state police would not be delayed.
He emphasized that security remains the foundation for national prosperity and development.
Meanwhile, sources within the police hierarchy hinted that a successor may have been identified, although no official statement has been issued.
A senior officer, Tunji Disu, is said to have been contacted in connection with the position, but confirmation is still being awaited.
Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in 2023.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force is yet to issue an official statement on the development.