Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, resigned on Tuesday, clearing the way for the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as the new police chief ahead of the 2027 general elections. Disu, who was elevated to the rank of AIG in March 2025, is slated to succeed Egbetokun, who was appointed by the President on June 19, 2023. The IG's extended tenure drew much criticism in 2024, when Egbetokun officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4.
However, his term in office was prolonged as a result of a modification to the Police Act.
Speaking with one of our correspondents, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed that Egbetokun resigned from his position, citing family obligations that required his full attention.
He said that the former IG had filed his resignation letter on Tuesday.
"The IG resigned in a letter today, citing family issues that require his undivided attention," according to him.
However, numerous Presidential sources stated that Egbetokun was requested to resign during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening.
"He was asked to leave that meeting," claimed a senior official, speaking on the condition of anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the situation.
The IG's official vehicle was spotted in the forecourt of the Presidential Villa at 6:40 p.m. on Monday.
He later returned to the State House around 8:00 p.m., and his vehicle was searched by Department of State Services agents.
Tinubu accepted Egbetokun's retirement and nominated AIG Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police, effective immediately, ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to a State House statement issued by Onanuga on Tuesday, Egbetokun resigned due to pressing family matters.
"Given the country's current security problems, and in accordance with existing laws and legal guidance, the President accepted Disu's appointment in an acting capacity.
"The President is confident that AIG Disu's experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period," according to the statement.
He further stated that, in accordance with the terms of the Police Act 2020, the President will call a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally review Disu's appointment as substantive IG, after which his name would be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
"In accordance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will call a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider AIG Disu's appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
"The President reiterates his administration's unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities" , his statement read.
Prior to his most recent job, Disu was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, which he took up in February 2026.
Prior to that, he led the Special Protection Unit at Force Headquarters in Abuja from March 2025 to February 2026.
He also served as Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command from October 2024 to March 2025, as well as the Rivers State Police Command from November 2023 to October 2024.
Previously, he managed the Intelligence Response Team as Deputy Commissioner of Police and was DCP, Administrative Operations, at Force Headquarters.
Between 2015 and 2021, Disu was the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos.
Meanwhile, Disu's nomination may result in the resignation of certain senior officers in accordance with established police tradition.
According to a source within the Police Service Commission, the new development may result in the departure of 15 to 20 senior officers, including Disu's seniors.
"According to current practice, Disu's seniors may have to submit their resignation letters. We might have some who want to stay behind and salute their juniors. The fact is that some of the DIGs' colleagues are still ACPs.
Somebody like DIG Frank Mba, despite the people he joined the force with as cadets, are still a DCP and such.
"Aside from the nine DIGs, there are a few AIGs that are senior to him. The insider stated that between 15 and 20 people may resign.
According to police insiders, while senior officers' resignations are ingrained in police culture, akin to the military, there have been cases where impacted officers choose to continue in service despite the appointment of their juniors.
"Resignation of senior officers is not as ingrained in police culture as it is in the military. Some elders have previously refused to resign, while others have resigned.
"The DIGs who are senior to the acting IG head key departments such as Finance and Administration, DIG Yahaya Abubakar; Operations, Bzigu Kwazhi; Logistics and Supply, Adebola Hamzat; Force Criminal Investigation Department, Sadiq Abubakar; Training and Development, Frank Mba; Research and Planning, Basil Idegwu; Information and Communication Technology, and the Force Intelligence Bureau, Mohammed Gumel," a law enforcement official told our reporter.
Furthermore, certain Commissioners of Police and other officials would gain from the vacancy created by the anticipated retirement of the DIGs and impacted AIGs.
According to insiders, some would be promoted to fill open posts, while others would be elevated to unfilled ranks.