President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
Egbetokun resigned from office on Tuesday, citing pressing family issues that require his full attention.
His resignation was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the former police chief submitted his resignation letter earlier in the day.
“The IG resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga said.
However, multiple Presidency sources revealed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening. According to one senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “It was in that meeting he was asked to go.”
Sources further disclosed that Egbetokun’s official vehicle was sighted at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa around 6:40 pm on Monday and later returned to the State House at about 8:00 pm, where it was reportedly searched by operatives of the Department of State Services.
Egbetokun’s continued stay in office had generated controversy in 2024 after he attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4. His tenure was, however, extended following amendments to the Police Act.
Following the resignation, President Tinubu immediately appointed Disu as Acting IGP, a move widely seen as part of efforts to strengthen internal security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a State House statement issued on Tuesday, Onanuga said the President acted in line with extant laws and prevailing security realities.
“Citing the current security challenges confronting the country, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, the President approved the appointment of Disu in an acting capacity,” the statement read.
“The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.”
The statement added that, in compliance with the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
Before his latest appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, a position he assumed in February 2026. He was promoted to the rank of AIG in March 2025.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the police force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
