Presidency confirms IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s resignation 

The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), stating that he stepped down to focus on pressing family concerns.

Earlier, Business Hallmark reported that President Bola Tinubu had appointed Tunji Disu, the Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, as the new IGP following Egbetokun’s exit.

Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the former police chief tendered his resignation in a letter on Monday.

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

However, Presidency sources indicated that the resignation followed a meeting between Egbetokun and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening. A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the police chief was asked to step down during the meeting.

“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” the official said.

Observers at the Villa reported that the IGP’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with number plate NPF-01, arrived at about 6:40 pm. Egbetokun, dressed in a black uniform without his cap, briefly turned back to collect a notepad from an aide before heading inside.

His arrival coincided with that of several governors attending an interfaith Iftar with the President, initially sparking speculation about the purpose of his visit. Another source at the Villa clarified that the meeting was not routine, noting that he had been specifically summoned.

“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” the source added.

Security officials also disclosed that Egbetokun returned to the State House later that evening, around 8:00 pm, when his vehicle was reportedly searched by operatives of the Department of State Services at the entrance.

Appointed on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun’s tenure was marked by mounting criticism over worsening security challenges nationwide, including increased incidents of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks across several states.

Among the notable incidents during his time in office were the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State in November 2025 and reported mass killings in parts of Kwara State in February 2026.

At Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity, stressing that the establishment of state police would not be delayed.

“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,” the President said.

Before becoming IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department. He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in September 2023 after an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.