President Bola Tinubu has removed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun from office, paving the way for Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to assume leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Multiple senior police officials and sources within the presidency and the Police Service Commission confirmed that Egbetokun was asked to step aside following a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
According to sources, the outgoing police chief was directed to prepare his handover notes ahead of a formal transition. Preparations are reportedly underway for an official handover ceremony, although the presidency had yet to release a formal statement as of press time.
Egbetokun, who was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, had his appointment confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Though he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024, an amendment to the Police Act allowed him to serve a fixed four-year term, which would have seen him remain in office until October 31, 2027.
His tenure, however, was marked by persistent public criticism and allegations of human rights abuses. Sources familiar with the development said the President’s decision followed mounting controversies surrounding his leadership.
One source alleged that health concerns also played a role in the decision, claiming the President advised him to focus on his well-being. These claims have not been independently verified.
Reports of his removal sparked mixed reactions within the police force, with some officers said to have welcomed the development.
Disu, who currently heads the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, is expected to take over as the new Inspector-General of Police, pending a formal announcement from the Presidency.
Efforts to reach presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga and Police spokesperson, Ben Hundeyin for official confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
