While information available in the public domain indicate that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun voluntarily resigned his appointment, insider sources insist that he was sacked due to allegations of corruption, highhandedness in the discharge of his duties and growing distrust in the handling of the forthcoming 2027 general elections, among other ‘sins’ as the newly appointed Acting IGP, ‘Tunji Disu has been urged to clean the Augean Stables
By Edu Abade
Contrary to popular belief, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun may not have resigned his appointment after all. From all indications, he was sacked due to the intense pressure emanating from the many controversies surrounding his office as IGP. Insider sources within the Nigeria Police Force hierarchy revealed that besides the allegations of corruption and highhandedness, rising tensions from civil society groups, which saw their being teargased during their protests over attempts to suppress demands for electoral reforms and electronic transmission of results during the upcoming 2027 general elections culminated in his removal. The presidency was said to have become weary of his tactics and desperation to remain in office till after the 2027 general elections, in spite of the controversy surrounding his stay in office even after the extension and expiration of his tenure.
But following Egbetokun’s exit, analysts argue that the task before the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Public remains huge. It is as tasking as the many challenges confronting the Nigerian nation. Coming at a time when Nigerians are generally distraught with policing and law enforcement at the national and sub national levels, Olatunji Disu has an herculean task to clean up the Augean Stables by improving the image of the Nigeria Police, especially as the country confronts terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, armed robbery, gunmen attacks and all the other negative connotations of violence.
Agreed, that as with his predecessors, it is not going to be easy confronting the many challenges head on, but the new police helmsman must hit the ground running to arrest some of the many negative occurrences that have plagued the country for decades.
Acting swiftly, President Bola Tinubu accepted Egebtokun’s resignation, following the submission of his letter citing pressing family considerations.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in a statement disclosed that President Tinubu received Egbetokun’s resignation earlier on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 and expressed his profound appreciation for his decades of service to the Nigeria Police and the entire country.
The President acknowledged his dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.
Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.
In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.
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.
In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The President reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Also, the on Wednesday at the State House, charged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to restore peace and strengthen security nationwide.
President Tinubu issued the directive during Disu’s decoration as Acting Inspector-General of Police, following Egbetokun’s retirement and pending the Nigeria Police Council’s ratification of the appointment and the Senate’s confirmation. The council will meet next week.
But after his decoration as the 23rd IGP which was barely 48 days to his retirement, the acting IGP, Olatunji Disu, said that his appointment took him by surprise but fills him with gratitude to the President
The President said: “I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor.”
President Tinubu described Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment, urging him to rebuild public confidence in the police’s capacity to do their job in collaboration with other security forces.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President added.
While urging Disu to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he expressed confidence in the Acting IGP’s discipline, operational experience and leadership capacity.
“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said, while reaffirming his belief that Nigeria would prevail under a committed leadership.
Asked what the appointment meant to him, IGP Disu said: “It came at a time I was not expecting it. That makes me give thanks to the President for his magnanimity to see me fit to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police.”
Disu, whose career highlights-from successful operations to nationwide postings—were spotlighted by Tinubu during the appointment, described the President’s words as deeply emotional.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” he said.
He interpreted Tinubu’s endorsement as both recognition and a direct challenge: “It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition, and order to the country.”
Asked on what should be his top priorities, the acting IGP said protection of citizens, welfare of officers and discipline, adding that public cooperation is non-negotiable.
“My top priority… I’m going to talk to them (police officers and men), let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss,” he declared.
Also speaking on Disu’s recent appointment, representative of Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, who swiftly congratulated Disu on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urged him to take a tough and thoroughly considered action on kidnapping, banditry and other shades of killings across the country.
Dafinone said Disu’s well-deserved elevation is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service within the Nigerian Police Force, saying, “Your distinguished journey through the ranks, marked by discipline, courage and exemplary leadership, has earned you the confidence of the nation. Over the years, you have demonstrated competence, integrity and a deep understanding of modern policing challenges, qualities that positioned you for this critical responsibility.
Also commenting on the development, a counterterrorism expert, Dr. Oto’ Drama noted that the removal of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) marked the end of a tumultuous chapter defined by legal gymnastics over tenure extensions and a perceived stagnation in the war against insecurity.
As Tunji Disu steps into the Louis Edet House, he inherits not just a police force, but a fractured institution suffering from a deep-seated crisis of legitimacy. For the new IGP, the task is Herculean: He must pivot from the “police-centric” arrogance of the past toward a “citizen-centric” philosophy of the future.
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has long been paralyzed by a promotion system often viewed as transactional rather than meritocratic. With 29 senior officers reportedly set to exit in this massive shake-up, Disu has a clean slate to build a leadership core based on competence.
The Agenda: Merit-Based Advancement: End the era of “godfatherism” in postings. Internal welfare reform is urgently needed. Corruption in the police often starts at the bottom because of poor pay and dilapidated barracks. A hungry officer cannot be expected to protect a fed citizen.
The image of the NPF is currently defined in the public consciousness by the roadblock, the “checkpoint bribe,” and the high-handedness that birthed the 2020 #EndSARS protests. To the average Nigerian, the uniform is a symbol of dread, not safety.
“Disu must institutionalize immediate dismissal for officers involved in extrajudicial acts or extortion. The “Service” in the Police Service must be purged. The force has to rebrand the force’s engagement rules. The police must transition from being a “Force” (coercion) to a “Service” (protection).
Meanwhile, the Erinja Elite Youth Group has commended Egbetokun as he bows out as Nigeria’s 22nd Inspector-General of Police.
The Erinja Elite Youth Group, on behalf of the good people of Erinja-Orile in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State and under the leadership of the Elerinja of Erinja, Oba Ebenezer Alani Egunjobi (FCA), congratulates and commends EgbetokuN, as he gallantly bows out as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on Tuesday, February 24, 2026
In a statement signed by its President, Tolu Akinwunmi and Media & Publicity Secretary, ‘Dotun Akintomide, Dr. Egbetokun made history as the first Inspector-General of Police of Ogun State descent, a milestone that has brought immense pride, not only to Erinja but also to the entire state and the Yewa people at large.
“Throughout his service at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force, Egbetokun demonstrated a strong commitment to institutional reform, professionalism, and intelligence-driven policing. His tenure was marked by notable efforts to strengthen police intelligence structures, expand tactical capacity, improve manpower through large-scale recruitment, enhance officer welfare and modernize investigative and digital policing frameworks.
“The Erinja Community recognizes his leadership in advancing police reform initiatives at a time of complex national security challenges. His advocacy for improved training, better funding frameworks, and stronger institutional accountability has contributed to ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a modern, responsive, and people-centred institution.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier commended his service, noting that Dr. Egbetokun’s tenure reflected dedication to strengthening internal security and institutional reforms within the Nigeria Police Force. We salute IGP Kayode Egbetokun for his service to the nation and his contributions to police reform and professionalism. He leaves behind important institutional building blocks for the future of policing in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
The Erinja Elite Youth Group further notes that Egbetokun has been a shining example and source of inspiration to the sons and daughters of Erinja and Yewa, demonstrating through his career that dedication, discipline, and integrity can lead to the highest levels of national service.
“His giant strides in reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force have brought pride to the entire Erinja community and Yewa, and his achievements will continue to inspire young people from Erinja to aspire to excellence in public service and leadership.
“The people of Erinja celebrate his contributions and wish him continued success and fulfillment in his future endeavours,” the statement added.
