Why Egbetokun resigned — Presidency

The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police, stating that he stepped down due to family matters.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Monday, explaining that personal issues required his full attention.

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

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

A senior official familiar with the development said the directive was communicated directly to the police chief at the meeting, adding that the visit was not routine.

Egbetokun arrived at the Villa at about 6:40 p.m. in his official Toyota Land Cruiser marked NPF-01. He was dressed in black uniform and briefly asked an aide for his notepad before proceeding inside.

Governors were also arriving at the time for an interfaith breaking of fast with the President, initially creating uncertainty about the purpose of his visit.

Security personnel later confirmed that Egbetokun returned to the State House around 8:00 p.m., when his vehicle was searched by operatives of the Department of State Services.

Appointed on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun’s tenure coincided with persistent security challenges, including kidnappings, bandit attacks and killings across several states.

Recent incidents include the abduction of nearly 300 pupils from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State in November 2025 and killings in parts of Kwara State in February 2026, alongside continued attacks along major highways.

During Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu said the Federal Government would proceed with plans to establish state police, describing security as central to economic stability.

Before his appointment, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department. He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in September 2023 following an extension granted by Muhammadu Buhari.