The Presidency has officially confirmed that Kayode Egbetokun has resigned from his position as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), attributing his decision to pressing family matters.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the former police chief submitted his resignation letter on Monday.
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga said in response to an inquiry.
The development comes amid reports that President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu, the Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, as the new IGP following Egbetokun’s departure.
However, sources within the Presidential Villa suggested that the resignation followed a meeting between Egbetokun and President Tinubu on Monday evening. A senior official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the former IGP was asked to step down during the meeting.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” the source said.
Witnesses at the Villa observed the arrival of the IGP’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing number plate NPF-01, at about 6:40 pm. Egbetokun, dressed in a black uniform without his cap, was seen retrieving a notepad from an aide before proceeding into the complex.
His visit coincided with the arrival of several state governors for an interfaith Iftar with the President, initially creating uncertainty about the purpose of his presence. Another Villa source clarified that the meeting was not routine and that he had been specifically summoned.
“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” the source added.
Security officials further revealed that Egbetokun returned to the State House 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 as IGP was marked by growing public concern over insecurity, including incidents of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks across various states.
Notable cases during his time in office included the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State in November 2025 and reported killings in parts of Kwara State in February 2026.
During Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and pledged 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 his appointment as 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 following an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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