President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and approved the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter earlier on Tuesday, citing pressing family matters that require his full attention. President Tinubu accepted the resignation and thanked him for his service to the country.
In the statement, the President praised Egbetokun for what he described as decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. He acknowledged the former police boss’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening the country’s internal security system during his time in office.
Egbetokun was appointed Inspector-General of Police in June 2023, shortly after President Tinubu assumed office. Under the amended provisions of the Police Act, he was to serve a four-year term scheduled to end in June 2027.
Before becoming IGP, Egbetokun had a long career in the police, rising through the ranks and serving in various capacities across the country. He previously served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), one of the most important departments in the Force.
He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in 2023 after receiving an extension from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Egbetokun’s resignation comes at a time when Nigeria is facing serious security challenges. Across several states, communities have continued to report cases of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and terrorist attacks.
In the North-West and North-Central regions, bandits have attacked villages and highways, leading to loss of lives and property. In the North-East, security forces are still battling insurgent groups. Some parts of the South-East have also witnessed attacks on security formations and government facilities.
These security concerns have remained a major issue for many Nigerians. Citizens have repeatedly called for stronger action by security agencies, including better intelligence gathering, improved response time, and stronger collaboration between the police and other security forces.
Although the Presidency did not link Egbetokun’s resignation to the security situation, his exit comes during a period of intense public discussion about how to improve safety across the country.
Following the acceptance of Egbetokun’s resignation, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
The statement from the Presidency noted that the decision was taken in view of the current security challenges facing the nation and in line with existing laws and legal guidance.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to lead the Force at this critical time. He said Disu’s experience, operational background, and leadership capacity would provide steady direction for the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu has also built a career within the police, serving in different commands and units. Over the years, he has been involved in operations aimed at tackling violent crime and maintaining public order. His appointment as Acting IGP places him at the top of the police hierarchy at a time when expectations from the public are high.
The Presidency also explained the next steps in line with the Police Act 2020. According to the law, the appointment of a substantive Inspector-General of Police requires the involvement of the Nigeria Police Council.
The statement said President Tinubu will soon convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as the substantive IGP. After that, his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
This process is part of efforts to ensure transparency and proper oversight in the appointment of the nation’s top police officer.
The Police Act 2020 introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the independence and accountability of the Nigeria Police Force. Among other provisions, it fixed the tenure of the Inspector-General at four years to promote stability in leadership.
With Disu now serving as Acting IGP, attention has shifted to how he will address the country’s pressing security problems. Many Nigerians expect the police to intensify efforts against kidnapping networks and armed groups operating in different regions.
Public trust in the police has also been a major issue. Incidents of misconduct and human rights violations have led to calls for reforms and stronger accountability measures. The Federal Government has repeatedly promised to professionalise the Force and make it more responsive to the needs of citizens.
In his statement, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving national security. He said the government would continue to strengthen institutions and ensure that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to carry out its constitutional duties.
The change in leadership at the top of the Nigeria Police Force comes at a critical time. Security remains one of the most important issues facing the country. Businesses, schools, farmers, and ordinary citizens all depend on a safe environment to carry out their daily activities.
As Acting Inspector-General, Disu will be expected to work closely with other security agencies, state governments, and community leaders to improve coordination and tackle crime more effectively.
For now, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the new police leadership responds to the challenges ahead. The coming weeks are likely to shape the direction of policing and internal security efforts under the Tinubu administration.
While Egbetokun leaves office earlier than expected, the focus has now shifted to ensuring continuity, stability, and stronger action in the fight against insecurity across the nation.