The Presidency has confirmed that Kayode Egbetokun has resigned as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), with official reasons attributed to family matters requiring his full attention.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated in response to inquiries: “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
However, multiple sources within the Presidency told PUNCH Online that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening, February 23, 2026.
One highly placed official, speaking anonymously, said: “It was in that meeting he was asked to go.”
Another source confirmed the summons was not routine, noting Egbetokun arrived around 6:40 pm and returned later in the evening.
Egbetokun, appointed IGP on June 19, 2023, succeeding Usman Alkali Baba, had previously served as Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
His tenure faced significant criticism over escalating insecurity, including widespread kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks.
Notable incidents included the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State in November 2025, mass killings in Kwara State communities in February 2026, and ongoing highway abductions.
The resignation comes amid President Tinubu's recent pledge during an interfaith Iftar with governors to establish state police, emphasizing that “security is the foundation of prosperity.”
Reports from other sources indicate Egbetokun may be succeeded by Assistant Inspector-General Olatunji (Tunji) Disu, though no official announcement has been made regarding a replacement.
No formal statement from the Presidency has detailed further reasons beyond the cited family issues, and Egbetokun's departure follows earlier controversies over his tenure extension beyond the standard retirement age of 60 (September 4, 2024), enabled by amendments to the Police Act allowing a fixed four-year term.
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