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Kayode Egbetokun has officially stepped aside as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, bringing an early end to his leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Multiple sources within the Presidency confirmed on Tuesday that the president has approved the appointment of Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex in Lagos, as the new Inspector General of Police.
According to insiders, Egbetokun was informed of the decision during a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. The meeting reportedly focused on the leadership transition and the immediate handover process to ensure continuity within the police force.
Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police on June 19, 2023, after the retirement of his predecessor. His appointment was subsequently ratified by the Police Council on October 31, 2023, officially confirming his position as the nation’s top police officer.
At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was 58 years old and was originally scheduled to retire on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 60. However, in a move that significantly altered his career trajectory, the National Assembly later amended the Police Act, extending the tenure of the Inspector General of Police to a four-year term, unless removed by the president.
This legislative amendment meant that Egbetokun could have remained in office until October 31, 2027, completing a full four-year term. His sudden exit, therefore, marks a premature conclusion to what was expected to be a longer tenure.
Although official reasons for his removal have not been publicly disclosed, sources suggest that the decision aligns with President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to reposition key security agencies and implement reforms aimed at strengthening internal security, boosting public confidence, and enhancing operational effectiveness across the country.
During his time in office, Egbetokun oversaw several policing reforms and operations targeted at tackling insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. His administration also emphasized intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and capacity building within the force.
Meanwhile, his successor, Tunji Disu, is widely regarded as an experienced officer with a strong background in intelligence and criminal investigations. As the head of the Force CID Annex in Lagos, Disu played a pivotal role in overseeing high-profile criminal cases and strengthening investigative procedures within the police system.
Security analysts believe his appointment could signal a renewed focus on intelligence gathering, crime detection, and prosecution, especially amid growing public concerns over security challenges in different parts of the country.
The leadership transition is expected to take effect immediately, with formal announcements and ceremonial handover procedures anticipated in the coming days. Observers will be watching closely to see how the new IGP approaches pressing issues such as insecurity, police reform, public trust, and institutional accountability.
Egbetokun’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, while Disu’s appointment ushers in a new phase that many hope will bring renewed momentum to the fight against crime and the quest for safer communities nationwide.
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