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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Kayode Egbetokun |
ABUJA, Nigeria — In a major shake-up within Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly removed Kayode Egbetokun from his position as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The decision, which sent shockwaves through the force's hierarchy on Tuesday, follows months of speculation regarding the IGP’s tenure and the legalities surrounding his retirement age.
According to high-ranking presidential aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the President delivered the news during a private meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Sources indicate that Egbetokun was asked to "step aside" to make way for new leadership within the Nigeria Police Force.
"Yes, Egbetokun is gone," one aide confirmed. "A formal statement is being prepared as we speak, and the official announcement will be made to the public soon."
While the Presidency remains tight-lipped officially, insiders suggest that a successor has already been shortlisted. Rumors are swirling around Tunji Disu, the current Assistant Inspector-General of Police, as the top contender for the role.
Sources within the police hierarchy claim that Disu has already been contacted regarding the transition. However, as of Tuesday afternoon, neither the Force Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, nor Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, have issued a formal confirmation despite multiple inquiries.
Egbetokun, who was appointed on June 19, 2023, has been at the center of a heated legal debate. The controversy peaked in September 2024, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The Retirement Issue: Critics argued he should have vacated the office upon reaching the age limit on September 4, 2024.
The Police Act Amendment: His tenure was extended following a contentious amendment to the Police Act, which allowed for certain flexibility in the IGP’s term.
Despite the legislative backing for his extension, the move remained a point of friction among civil society groups and legal experts.
The nation now awaits the official gazette or a televised broadcast from the Presidency to confirm the new appointment. If confirmed, the exit of Egbetokun marks the end of a tenure defined by both internal reforms and significant external pressure regarding national security.