Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has resigned with immediate effect, bringing an early end to his tenure which was due to run until next year. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted his resignation and appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu as acting Inspector-General of Police, pending approval by the Police Council and confirmation by the Senate.
Although Egbetokun cited personal reasons for his decision, sources indicated that his opposition to the proposed establishment of state police may have contributed to his exit. He had consistently rejected the idea in public engagements, preferring instead to strengthen community policing initiatives.
There were also suggestions that his handling of a presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of police orderlies from certain public office holders may have influenced developments. Egbetokun was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year term, despite earlier debates over whether he should retire upon attaining 60 years of age in line with civil service rules.
In announcing the resignation, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President acknowledged Egbetokun’s dedication and professionalism. He added that Disu’s appointment was made in view of prevailing security challenges and in accordance with extant laws.
Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s experience and leadership capacity, assuring Nigerians that the transition would not disrupt ongoing security operations. A meeting of the Nigeria Police Council will be convened to formally consider Disu’s appointment before his name is sent to the Senate for confirmation.
Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He served in investigative roles in Katsina, was Aide-De-Camp to then Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, and later led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan.
He subsequently held several operational and command positions, including Divisional Police Officer, commander of SARS units in Ondo and Oyo states, and head of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad. He also led the Police Intelligence Response Team and served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory before his promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
