Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has been removed from office by President Bola Tinubu, following reports that he resisted directives to withdraw police officers from VIP protection duties. While Egbetokun cited “family issues” in his resignation, sources within the Presidency and the police establishment said his departure was also linked to opposition to state policing and conflicts with colleagues.
The decision came after Egbetokun reportedly delayed implementing a November 23, 2025 presidential directive that ordered the redeployment of over 11,000 police officers from VIP protection to communities affected by kidnapping and terrorism. Sources explained that the former IGP argued for continued protection of business leaders and corporate executives, despite assurances that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps could adequately fill the role. The directive disrupted a lucrative VIP protection scheme, which reportedly generated over N300 billion annually for the police, adding a financial dimension to the resistance.
Another reason cited for his removal was Egbetokun’s opposition to the creation of state police, a key security reform championed by President Tinubu. Egbetokun had presented a memorandum against state policing during a National Assembly public hearing, actions seen as a direct challenge to the President’s policy agenda.
Additionally, sources highlighted Egbetokun’s conduct toward colleagues, particularly Olatunji Disu, who now serves as Acting Inspector-General of Police. The President reportedly viewed Egbetokun’s actions as vindictive and contrary to the principle of mutual support among officers who had progressed in their careers under the same mentorship.
Disu, a 59-year-old Lagos Island native, joined the police in 1992 and holds degrees in English Education, Public Administration, and Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology. The Nigeria Police Council is expected to meet next week to formally consider Disu’s confirmation as substantive IGP, after which President Tinubu will forward his appointment to the Senate, in line with the Police Act 2020.
Egbetokun had been appointed the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023, succeeding Alkali Baba. His tenure had been extended to October 2027 under a 2024 amendment to the Police Act, granting IGPs a fixed four-year term regardless of age.
