Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has stepped down from office after receiving a directive from President Bola Tinubu, senior government officials confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The decision followed a closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and the police chief at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, February 23, 2026. Sources familiar with the discussions described the encounter as cordial but firm, with the president citing the need for fresh leadership at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force amid ongoing public concerns over security management, human rights observance, and operational effectiveness.
President Tinubu has nominated Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the new Inspector General. Disu, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in intelligence, counter-terrorism, and investigative operations, is expected to assume office pending formal ratification by the Nigeria Police Council and any necessary legislative confirmation steps.
Preparations for a handover ceremony are already underway at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. Security officials indicated that logistics, protocol arrangements, and security details are being finalized, although no date has been publicly set. An official announcement from the presidency is anticipated later on Tuesday or early Wednesday, according to a source within the executive arm.
Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, shortly after President Tinubu assumed office. His confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council followed in October 2023. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was nearing the statutory retirement age of 60 for police officers, sparking legal and political controversy over whether he could serve a full term.
To resolve the impasse, the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Police Act in 2024. The amendment provided that an Inspector General could serve a fixed four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Under that law, Egbetokun's tenure was projected to run until October 2027.
However, his time in office drew significant public and civil society criticism. Key points of contention included:
Allegations of excessive force and human rights violations during the suppression of #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024 and other demonstrations across states.
Perceived politicization of police operations, particularly in election-related security deployments.
Ongoing challenges with kidnappings, banditry, and communal violence in the North-West and North-Central zones, where critics argued police response remained inadequate despite increased funding.
Reports of internal dissatisfaction within the force over welfare, promotions, and disciplinary matters.
Egbetokun consistently defended the force's record, pointing to improvements in crime statistics in certain categories, expanded community policing initiatives, and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies. He also oversaw the procurement of modern equipment, vehicles, and technology under the Tinubu administration's security budget increases.
The sudden directive for his exit has surprised many political observers, given the 2024 legislative amendment specifically designed to secure his position through 2027. Sources close to the presidency suggested that the decision was influenced by a combination of factors, including sustained public pressure, internal security assessments, and the president's desire to signal renewed momentum on insecurity and governance reform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tunji Disu, the incoming nominee, brings a background in the State Security Service (now DSS) before his transfer to the Nigeria Police Force. He has headed key units including the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and served in senior intelligence and operations roles. His nomination is seen by some analysts as an attempt to inject a more intelligence-driven approach to policing amid persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.
As of Tuesday afternoon, neither the presidency nor the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Department had issued a formal statement confirming Egbetokun's resignation or Disu's nomination. Attempts to reach presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale and police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi were unsuccessful.
The development marks the second major change in Nigeria's top security leadership in recent months, following earlier adjustments in military and intelligence appointments. It underscores President Tinubu's willingness to make personnel changes in response to public sentiment and performance evaluations, even when legislative safeguards exist.
Further details—including the exact reasons for the directive, the handover timeline, and Disu's confirmation process—are expected once the presidency releases an official communique.
