PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed Kayode Egbetokun to step down as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), in a major shake-up of Nigeria’s security leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple senior sources within the Presidency and the Police Service Commission confirmed to News Point Nigeria on Tuesday that Egbetokun was asked to prepare his handover notes following a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening.
The president has reportedly approved the appointment of Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, as the new IGP, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
According to sources familiar with the development, Egbetokun was summoned to the Presidential Villa, where he was informed of the decision and asked to tender his resignation.
“Egbetokun was at the Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. He will be handing over to Tunji Disu,” a source disclosed.
As of press time, there was no official statement from the Presidency, although a State House source indicated that an announcement would be made shortly.
Efforts by News Point Nigeria to obtain comments from a police spokesperson were unsuccessful.
Sources said the president’s decision was influenced by the need to “chart a new security course” ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year.
Egbetokun’s tenure had been marked by controversy, particularly criticism over his continued stay in office beyond September 2024, when he reportedly reached the official retirement age.
Political activist Yele Sowore was among those who had repeatedly questioned the legality of his extended tenure.
While no official reason has been given for the removal yet, sources cited mounting controversies and alleged health concerns.
One source claimed the president asked Egbetokun to focus on addressing medical issues, including alleged kidney-related challenges. However, these claims remain unverified, and there has been no public confirmation regarding his health.
There were also unconfirmed reports that some police officers welcomed news of his departure, though these accounts could not be independently verified.
Disu brings decades of policing experience to the role.
Before heading the FCID Annex in Lagos, he served as Commissioner of Police in both the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State commands in 2024 and 2023 respectively. He previously worked as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun and led the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja as well as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992, after training at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State.
He holds a degree in English Education and advanced qualifications in international relations, public administration, criminology, security and legal psychology from Lagos State University and Adekunle Ajasin University.
He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.