On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun officially resigned from his position as the head of the Nigeria Police Force, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a closed-door meeting held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to multiple credible sources within the presidency and security circles, Mr. Egbetokun was asked to step down, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure that has been marked by controversy and public debate over its legality and length. Preparations were reportedly in motion for a formal handover to Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Tunji Disu, who currently heads the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.
Why the Resignation?
Officials close to the presidency confirmed that President Tinubu requested Egbetokun’s resignation during a private meeting, though there has been no formal public statement from either the presidency or the Nigeria Police Force at the time of filing this report.
Earlier official explanations pointed to “family issues requiring his undivided attention,” as cited by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Observers note that Egbetokun’s exit comes amid intensified scrutiny over his extended stay in office. Although initially due to retire upon reaching the mandatory age of 60, an amendment to the Police Act in 2024 allowed him to serve a fixed four-year term — which would have seen him remain in office until October 2027.
Controversy and Public Reaction
Public debate around Egbetokun’s tenure has been heated. Critics questioned the legality of prolonging his service beyond statutory limits, while advocacy groups called for a new leadership to address ongoing concerns about human rights enforcement and police conduct nationwide.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) welcomed the development, urging the incoming leadership to prioritise reforms within the police force.
New Leadership on the Horizon
Disu — widely seen as a career officer with extensive experience in criminal investigations — is being positioned to assume the role of Nigeria’s next Inspector-General of Police. Security sources say preparations for his formal assumption of duties are underway, though an official announcement has yet to be made.
What’s Next?
As the police force prepares for the transition, many Nigerians and governance analysts await further clarifications from official quarters. The change in leadership comes at a crucial time as the country continues to grapple with complex security challenges, from insurgency to civil unrest.