Resignation of Kayode Egbetokun and Appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP

 

Resignation of Kayode Egbetokun and Appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP

Resignation of Kayode Egbetokun and Appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP

1. Official Resignation Announcement

The Presidency announced that Kayode Egbetokun has resigned from his position as Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The announcement was made through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement:

Egbetokun resigned due to pressing family considerations.

His resignation was accepted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The President thanked him for his service and contributions to national security.

2. Background of Egbetokun’s Tenure

Appointed IGP in June 2023.

His appointment followed the exit of former IGP Usman Alkali Baba.

His tenure was expected to run for four years under the amended Police Act.

Controversy During Tenure

Egbetokun’s stay in office generated debate because:

He reached the statutory retirement age of 60.

Critics argued that his continued stay raised constitutional concerns.

However, the amended Police Act supported a fixed four-year term for an appointed IGP.

3. Appointment of Acting IGP

Following the resignation, President Tinubu immediately appointed Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police.

The appointment takes effect immediately.

The President expressed confidence that Disu’s:

Experience

Leadership skills

Operational background

will help maintain stability and strengthen security nationwide.

4. Legal Process for Substantive Appointment

Under Nigerian law, the process requires:

The Nigeria Police Council to meet and consider the appointment.

If approved, the nomination will be sent to the Senate for confirmation.

Until confirmation, Disu serves in acting capacity.

5. Profile of Acting IGP Tunji Disu

Tunji Disu is a highly experienced senior police officer with a strong background in intelligence and operational policing.

Key Positions Held:

Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos

Head, Intelligence Response Team

Commissioner of Police, Rivers State

Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory

Assistant Inspector-General, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s degree from Lagos State University

Master’s degrees in:

Public Administration

Criminology

Security & Legal Psychology

He is widely known for intelligence-led policing and community engagement strategies.

6. Reactions & Public Discussion

Some political commentators welcomed the resignation.

Civil society voices noted that the move may resolve lingering debates about tenure legality.

Security analysts see the transition as a critical moment for strengthening institutional reforms in the police force.

7. Timeline of Events

Date

Event

June 2023

Egbetokun appointed IGP

2024–2025

Public debates over tenure and retirement age

Feb 24, 2026

Egbetokun resigns

Feb 24, 2026

Tunji Disu appointed Acting IGP

Upcoming

Police Council review & Senate confirmation

 Significance of the Development

This leadership change is significant because:

Nigeria is facing ongoing security challenges.

Police leadership stability is crucial for law enforcement effectiveness.

The transition may signal renewed focus on reforms and accountability.