President Bola Tinubu accepts Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation as Inspector-General of Police and appoints Olatunji Disu as acting IGP ahead of 2027 polls

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office, paving the way for the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as the new acting police boss ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Egbetokun, who was appointed on June 19, 2023, stepped down on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

His resignation was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“The IG resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga said.

However, Presidency sources disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening.

President Tinubu has accepted Egbetokun’s resignation and appointed AIG Olatunji Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

In a State House statement, the President said the appointment was made in line with extant laws and in view of prevailing security challenges across the country.

“The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period,” the statement read.

In compliance with the Police Act 2020, the President will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP before forwarding his name to the Senate for confirmation.

Egbetokun’s continued stay in office sparked controversy in 2024 after he officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4.

His tenure was extended following an amendment to the Police Act, allowing him to remain in office beyond the statutory retirement age.

Before his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

He previously held key positions, including:

Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory
Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team
Commander, Rapid Response Squad (Lagos)

His elevation is expected to trigger a major shake-up within the Force hierarchy.

Police sources indicate that Disu’s appointment may lead to the resignation of between 15 and 20 senior officers, including some Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) who are his seniors.

A source within the Police Service Commission noted that, in line with Force tradition, senior officers often step aside when a junior officer is elevated to the top position.

Retired police chiefs have largely backed the development, describing it as consistent with established practice.

Former AIG Ali Amodu said, “By Force tradition, the DIGs cannot remain. If Disu is confirmed, they are supposed to go.”

Similarly, retired AIG Wilson Inalegwu described the leadership change as an opportunity to inject fresh ideas into tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing professionalism, and improving national security.

Observers say the new acting IGP faces significant challenges, including insecurity across several regions and the need for internal reforms within the Force.