By Obinna Uballa
The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), stating that he stepped down to attend to pressing family matters.
The New Diplomat had reported that President Bola Tinubu appointed Tunji Disu, FCT Police Commissioner, as the new IGP, following Egbetokun’s resignation.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a response to an inquiry, that the former police chief submitted a resignation letter on Monday.
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga said.
But sources within the Presidency disclosed that the development followed a meeting between Egbetokun and Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening. According to a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the police chief was asked to step down during the meeting.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” the official stated.
Observers at the Villa reported seeing the IGP’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with the number plate NPF-01, arriving 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 arrival coincided with that of several state governors who were attending an interfaith Iftar with the President, initially creating uncertainty about the purpose of his visit. A separate Villa source, however, confirmed that the meeting was not routine and that Egbetokun had been specifically summoned.
“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” the source said.
Security officials further disclosed that Egbetokun returned to the State House later in the evening, around 8:00 pm, when his vehicle was reportedly searched by operatives of the Department of State Services at the entrance.
Appointed IGP on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun’s tenure drew scrutiny amid growing security challenges across the country, including rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry and attacks in several states.
Notable among recent cases 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.
During Monday’s Iftar with governors, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity, pledging that the creation 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.
