ABUJA — The Presidency has officially confirmed the resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, putting an end to hours of speculation following the sudden appointment of AIG Olatunji Disu as his successor.
In a statement addressing the leadership change, the Presidency clarified that Egbetokun’s departure was voluntary, citing pressing family issues as the primary reason for his decision to step aside.
Family Concerns vs. National Pressure
While the official narrative focuses on personal matters, the resignation comes at a boiling point for the nation’s security apparatus.
- Official Reason:Â Presidency sources maintain that Egbetokun communicated his need to attend to urgent family obligations that would prevent him from fulfilling the rigorous demands of the office.
- The Insecurity Backdrop: The resignation follows a week of intense scrutiny over rising national insecurity and the explosive revelation of a ₦835 million coup-plotting fund trail linked to high-profile figures.
- Tenure Extension:Â Egbetokun had been serving under a tenure extension granted by President Tinubu, as he had technically reached the retirement age in September 2024.
A New Chapter for the Police
The swift appointment of AIG Olatunji Disu—a move that saw him skip several senior ranks—suggests that the Presidency was prepared for a transition. Disu, the former head of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), is expected to prioritize the “modernization of intelligence” to combat the current wave of threats.
Handover Proceedings
The Nigeria Police Force is expected to hold a formal pulling-out ceremony for Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters in Abuja later this week. Meanwhile, Disu has reportedly assumed duties in an acting capacity pending Senate confirmation.
