Egbetokun Quits as IGP, Citing ‘Personal Issues’ as Tinubu Installs Tunji Disu to Fix Rising Insecurity

The “State of Harmony” within the upper echelons of the Nigeria Police Force has been fundamentally reset. On Tuesday, the Presidency confirmed the sudden resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, a move that officially terminates a tenure marked by both legislative extensions and intense public scrutiny over the nation’s security.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that Egbetokun’s departure was voluntary, triggered by a letter in which the outgoing police chief cited “pressing family issues” that made his continued leadership of the Force untenable. “The President has accepted the resignation and thanked Mr. Egbetokun for his dedicated years of service,” Onanuga stated, emphasizing that the IG was “not sacked” but chose to step aside.

However, the corridors of power at the Presidential Villa tell a more complex story. Sources indicate that the resignation letter was the culmination of a high-stakes Monday night meeting where President Bola Tinubu reportedly signaled that a change in leadership was necessary to address the “unacceptable” wave of banditry and kidnappings currently sweeping across the Middle Belt and North-West.

Stepping into the eye of the storm is AIG Tunji Disu, who takes over in an acting capacity. Disu, a celebrated detective known for his modern approach to crime-fighting and his previous successes with the Lagos RRS and the IRT, is being hailed by security experts as the “breath of fresh air” needed to restore public trust.

Egbetokun’s exit also puts to rest a long-standing legal battle regarding his tenure. Having already passed the civil service retirement age of 60 last year, his continued stay in office had become a lightning rod for critics who argued it undermined the career progression of younger officers. By appointing Disu, President Tinubu appears to be hitting the “refresh” button on his administration’s security strategy, just as the nation prepares for the critical 2026/2027 political cycle.