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The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police.
It said he resigned from office, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a response to an inquiry by PUNCH Online, saying, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
However senior police officials and sources within the Police Service Commission (PSC) confirmed the development on Tuesday and confirmed that Tinubu ordered Egbetokun’s removal from office.
It was also gathered that he is likely to be succeeded by Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
“Egbetokun was at the (Presidential) Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that already, and he will be handing over to Tunji Disu,” one of the sources told online newspaper, SaharaReporters.
Another source alleged that the President asked him to step aside amid mounting controversies and health concerns.
“He is incompetent and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President said he should leave to focus on getting treatment for himself. You know, he has kidney-related medical issues,” the source claimed.
Sources also said some police officers celebrated the news of his removal.
“Police officers jubilated on Monday when they heard the news. The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, wanted him to stay, but the President was adamant. She fought that he should remain in office despite all the scandals,” another source claimed.
Egbetokun, who was appointed IGP on June 19, 2023, has faced mounting criticism over the nation’s deteriorating security situation, particularly the wave of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks across multiple states.
Recent high-profile incidents include the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State in November 2025, mass killings in Kwara State communities in February 2026, and persistent kidnappings along major highways.
The President, during Monday’s Iftar with governors, had pledged that the establishment of state police to combat insecurity would not be postponed, declaring that “security is the foundation of prosperity.”
“Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” Tinubu had stated at the event.
Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure expired in September 2023 after an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
