By Amofokhai Williams
Kayode Egbetokun has resigned as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Presidency confirmed on Tuesday, ending his nearly three-year tenure at the helm of the nation’s police force.
In a statement responding to inquiries from PUNCH Online, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Egbetokun tendered his resignation in a letter, citing “family issues which require his undivided attention.”
However, multiple sources within government circles have told reporters that the move followed a closed-door meeting between Egbetokun and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening, where he was reportedly asked to step down.
According to sources, the IGP arrived at the Villa around 6:40 p.m., at the same time as visiting state governors.
A highly placed official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Egbetokun’s visit was not routine and that he was specifically summoned by the president.
Security personnel familiar with the situation told journalists that Egbetokun’s official vehicle was searched by Department of State Services operatives when he later left the Villa, underscoring the sensitive nature of the meeting.
Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on 19 June 2023 by President Tinubu, succeeding Usman Alkali Baba after his tenure expired.
Over the past three years, he has faced mounting criticism over persistent insecurity in various parts of the country, including high-profile kidnappings, bandit attacks and terror incidents.
While the Presidency’s official reason emphasises personal family matters, the timing of the resignation amid intensifying public scrutiny on security challenges has fuelled speculation that his departure was influenced by broader pressures within government.
Reports from several news outlets indicate that Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu is poised to be Egbetokun’s successor, though formal announcements and presidential approval are pending.
The Alarmee reports that the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the President have not yet issued a comprehensive statement detailing the transition plan or addressing the speculation around the circumstances leading up to Egbetokun’s resignation.
