By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun and appointed Tunji Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police in Abuja. Egbetokun resigned citing family reasons, while Tinubu approved Disu’s appointment with immediate effect ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision followed a meeting at the Presidential Villa amid mounting security challenges across Nigeria.
Why Egbetokun Resigned
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday.
According to him, the former IG cited pressing family matters that require his attention. However, presidency sources disclosed that Tinubu asked him to step down during a meeting on Monday evening.
Egbetokun’s official vehicle was seen at the Presidential Villa twice that evening. His resignation came months after controversy over his extended stay in office.
He reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2024. Nevertheless, authorities extended his tenure after an amendment to the Police Act.
Tinubu Appoints Disu as Acting IGP
Tinubu immediately appointed Disu as acting IGP. The President said Disu’s experience and operational depth would strengthen the Nigeria Police Force.
Before this appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
Previously, he headed the Special Protection Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja. He also served as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State.
In addition, Disu led the Intelligence Response Team as Deputy Commissioner of Police. Between 2015 and 2021, he commanded the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos.
Tinubu stated that he would soon convene the Nigeria Police Council in line with the Police Act 2020. Afterward, the Senate will confirm Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP.
Ex-Police Chiefs Back Leadership Change
Several retired senior officers welcomed the development. They described it as consistent with police tradition.
Former DIG Adedayo Adeoye said senior officers may leave at the discretion of the new IGP. He added that the country faces serious security challenges.
Retired AIG Lawrence Alobi stressed that discipline demands changes in the top hierarchy. He argued that DIGs senior to the acting IGP should resign.
Alobi also reiterated his support for decentralising the police structure. He said decentralisation improves management and efficiency.
Similarly, retired AIG Wilson Inalegwu described the appointment as a move to inject fresh ideas. He compared it to a football coach introducing fresh legs during a match.
Retired AIG Ali Amodu insisted that Force tradition requires senior DIGs to step down. He noted that such practice strengthens discipline within the Force.
Possible Resignations and Promotions
Police sources revealed that between 15 and 20 senior officers may resign. This could include DIGs and some AIGs senior to Disu.
Currently, DIGs oversee key departments. These include Finance and Administration, Operations, Logistics and Supply, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Others supervise Training and Development, Research and Planning, ICT, and the Force Intelligence Bureau.
If senior officers resign, several AIGs, Commissioners of Police, and Deputy Commissioners may secure promotions. Consequently, the leadership reshuffle could create significant vacancies within the Force.
However, insiders noted that resignation is not always automatic in the police. In some cases, senior officers have remained in service despite the appointment of juniors.
Security Challenges Ahead
Retired officers acknowledged Nigeria’s worsening security situation. They urged the new acting IGP to adopt fresh strategies.
They also emphasised discipline, administrative order, and effective management. Moreover, some reiterated calls for decentralising the Nigeria Police Force.
Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership capacity. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and institutional capacity.
Conclusion
The appointment of Tunji Disu as acting IGP marks a major shift in the Nigeria Police Force leadership. While some senior officers may resign in line with tradition, others may stay.
Nevertheless, all eyes remain on how Disu will address Nigeria’s pressing security challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
