Kayode Egbetokun has resigned from his position as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), bringing a sudden end to his leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Presidency confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that Egbetokun stepped down due to family matters that require his full attention. The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
The resignation comes at a time when the country is battling serious security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks in several parts of the country. Many Nigerians have expressed concern over the state of security in recent months, especially in states in the North-West, North-East, and parts of the Middle Belt.
Egbetokun was appointed as Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023. His appointment was announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after assuming office. Before becoming the police boss, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), one of the most important departments in the police system.
He took over from Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure officially expired in September 2023 after receiving an extension from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
At the time of his appointment, many security experts said Egbetokun’s experience in criminal investigations would help strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the fight against crime across the country. His supporters believed his background in handling high-level investigations would bring professionalism and discipline to the Force.
However, during his time in office, Nigeria continued to face serious security threats. Kidnappings for ransom remained common on highways and in rural communities. Armed bandits carried out attacks in parts of the North-West, while terrorist groups continued operations in the North-East. In some states, clashes between farmers and herders also led to loss of lives and property.
These incidents led to growing criticism from civil society groups, opposition politicians, and concerned citizens. Many Nigerians called for stronger action from security agencies, including the police and the military. There were also calls for better funding, improved welfare for officers, and reforms in the security sector.
Although the Presidency has said Egbetokun resigned due to family reasons, his exit comes at a time when public debate about the country’s security situation is ongoing. Some analysts believe the pressure of the job, especially in a period of rising insecurity, may have added to the challenges he faced in office.
The Inspector-General of Police is the highest-ranking officer in the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP is responsible for overseeing police operations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The office plays a key role in maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety.
The IGP also works closely with the President, the National Security Adviser, and other heads of security agencies to develop strategies to address security threats. Because of the importance of the position, any change in leadership often attracts national attention.
Over the years, changes in police leadership have sometimes followed public dissatisfaction with security conditions. In other cases, leadership changes were part of routine retirements or government restructuring.
For many Nigerians, the hope is that the new leadership will bring fresh ideas and stronger action to address insecurity across the country. Citizens have continued to demand safer roads, secure communities, and quick response to distress calls.
Egbetokun’s resignation marks another chapter in the ongoing effort to strengthen Nigeria’s security system. While the Presidency has made it clear that his decision was based on family reasons, the timing of his exit has added to the national conversation about security and leadership.