By Cross Udo, Abuja
Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned following months of controversy surrounding his continued stay in office beyond the statutory retirement age, with President Bola Tinubu appointing Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, as Acting IGP.
The Presidency said Tinubu accepted the resignation, which Egbetokun attributed to family reasons, and commended his contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the President “expressed his profound appreciation for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation,” noting his role in strengthening internal security.
Presidency sources, however, disclosed that the resignation followed a closed-door meeting between Tinubu and Egbetokun at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday night, where the police chief was directed to step down.
Tinubu subsequently approved the appointment of Disu in acting capacity, expressing confidence in his leadership and operational experience to lead the Force.
The President is expected to convene the Nigeria Police Council to consider his appointment and forward his name to the Senate for confirmation in line with legal requirements.
*Controversial tenure ends in a sudden exit
Egbetokun’s exit followed a prolonged debate over his continued stay in office after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years on September 4, 2024.
Under the Police Act 2020 and public service rules, officers are required to retire upon reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service.
His retention triggered criticism from civil society organisations, lawyers, and retired officers, who argued that it violated established service rules.
In response, the National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill in July 2024, granting the Inspector-General of Police a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or service years.
President Tinubu signed the amendment into law, allowing Egbetokun to remain in office until June 2027 in line with his appointment.
Police authorities maintained at the time that the amendment provided legal backing for his tenure.
Tenure featured reforms and anti-crime operations.
Appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun assumed office amid serious security challenges across the country.
He introduced intelligence-driven policing strategies, expanded surveillance and technology deployment, and strengthened coordination between the police and other security agencies.
He also oversaw major operations targeting kidnapping and organised crime networks, especially in Abuja and other high-risk locations.
His administration carried out the restructuring of tactical units, introduced measures to improve discipline and professionalism, and implemented welfare-focused initiatives for police personnel.
Egbetokun joined the Nigeria Police Force in March 1990 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and rose through the ranks.
He served as Chief Security Officer to then Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
His resignation has now placed the responsibility for leading the Force on Acting IGP Disu, who assumes office amid persistent security challenges and growing public expectations.
