Real Reasons Egbetokun Was Asked to Resign as IGP — Sources

Contrary to the official statement that Kayode Egbetokun resigned for family reasons, sources within the presidency have revealed that President Bola Tinubu asked him to step down for three main reasons. Egbetokun resigned on February 24, 2026, and the presidency confirmed his departure, appointing Assistant Inspector General Olatunji Disu as acting Inspector General of Police.

Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023, and his position was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31 of the same year. He was initially expected to retire at age 60 or after 35 years of service, but an amendment to the Police Act introduced a fixed four-year tenure for IGPs, extending his term to October 2027. He stepped down at 61, shortly after completing 35 years of service.

Sources said Egbetokun’s removal was tied to three issues. The first was his opposition to state policing. Egbetokun reportedly disagreed with the creation of state-controlled police forces, arguing that Nigeria was not ready for the system and that governors could misuse the forces for political or personal gain. President Tinubu, however, has consistently supported state policing as part of efforts to reform the police and improve national security, reiterating his commitment even hours before Egbetokun’s resignation.

The second reason was Egbetokun’s insufficient compliance with a presidential directive to withdraw police officers providing security to VIPs, transferring that responsibility to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Sources indicated the president was concerned with the slow implementation of the order.

The third reason involved Egbetokun’s blacklisting by the International Press Institute Nigeria. Around 24 journalists were harassed under his leadership, and little corrective action was taken. Sources said the presidency viewed the situation as embarrassing and a factor in his removal.

Following his resignation, President Tinubu appointed Olatunji Disu as Acting IGP.