President Tinubu Directs IGP Egbetokun to Resign Immediately, Announces Successor
In a significant development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to resign from his position with immediate effect. This directive was conveyed during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, February 23, 2026, according to sources within the Presidency.
Presidency Sources Confirm Resignation Request
While no official statement has been released by the Presidency or the Nigeria Police Force, senior sources confirmed that President Tinubu asked Egbetokun to step down following internal consultations at the highest levels of government. The resignation was reportedly communicated directly to Egbetokun during the meeting, with preparations already underway for a handover ceremony.
Tunji Disu Tipped as New Inspector-General of Police
Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu is expected to replace Egbetokun as the new head of the Nigeria Police Force. Although the change in leadership has not been formally announced, insiders at the Presidency and police headquarters indicate that Disu has been selected as the successor, pending an official confirmation.
Background on Egbetokun's Tenure and Legal Framework
Kayode Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, with his appointment later confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31 of the same year. He assumed office at the age of 58 and was originally due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60.
However, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector-General of Police to serve a single four-year term regardless of age or length of service. Based on this amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 31, 2027, a position the Presidency had previously defended amid public criticism.
Criticism and Controversies During Egbetokun's Leadership
Egbetokun's tenure as police chief attracted criticism from various sections of the public and civil society groups, particularly over allegations of human rights abuses and issues related to policing reforms. Despite these concerns, the Presidency had maintained that his continued stay in office was lawful under the amended Police Act.
Official Announcement Awaited
As of the time of reporting, neither the Presidency nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement confirming the resignation. Attempts to reach presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga and police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin were unsuccessful. However, a Presidency source indicated that an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria's security leadership, with potential implications for police reforms and governance in the country.
