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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, bringing an abrupt end to months of speculation over his tenure.
The Presidency in a statement confirmed the resignation on Tuesday, noting that the former police boss resigned from office, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed online saying, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
In a related development a Presidency source also disclosed that Mr Egbetokun was asked to step down during a closed-door meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, 23 February 2026. The development comes despite earlier assurances from the presidency that the police chief’s tenure remained lawful under the amended Police Act.
A senior official familiar with the meeting said the decision was conveyed directly to the outgoing police boss.
“The president thanked him for his service and made it clear that it was time for a transition in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force,” the source said.
Mr Egbetokun is expected to hand over to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who has reportedly been pencilled down as his successor. Sources at the Force Headquarters confirmed that preparations were underway for a formal change of leadership.
Mr Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on 19 June 2023. His appointment was later confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council in October 2023.
At the time of his appointment, he was 58 years old and was due for statutory retirement on 4 September 2024 upon attaining the age of 60. However, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term irrespective of age or years of service. The amendment paved the way for him to remain in office until October 2027.
The extension generated tension and debate, with critics arguing that it disrupted the career progression of senior officers and raised concerns about institutional stability. The presidency, however, had repeatedly defended his continued stay in office as lawful.
During his tenure, Mr Egbetokun oversaw major security operations across the country, including efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and separatist violence. However, his leadership was also trailed by controversies, particularly allegations of human rights violations and concerns over police conduct during protests and political tensions.