Breaking: Presidency Explains Why Egbetokun Resigned as IGP
- Kayode Egbetokun resigns as Inspector-General of Police, citing family issues as his reason
- Presidency sources suggest Egbetokun was asked to resign during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Tinubu's Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, confirms Egbetokun's resignation to media inquiries on February 24, 2026
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Egbetokun resigned, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
Source: Facebook
As reported by The Punch, Onanuga made this known in a response to an inquiry on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as IGP on June 19, 2023.
However, multiple Presidency sources claimed Egbetokun was asked to resign during a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening, February 23, 2026.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a highly placed official in the Presidency stated on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
However, another source at the Villa confirmed that President Tinubu summoned Egbetokun that evening.
“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit.”
Security officials disclosed that the IGP returned to the State House at about 8:00 pm as his vehicle was subjected to search by DSS operatives at the Villa.
Source: Twitter
Tinubu reportedly orders IGP Egbetokun to resign.
Recall that President Tinubu reportedly directed Egbetokun to resign following a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Presidency sources disclosed that Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, should replace Egbetokun, with preparations commencing for a handover.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, and police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to enquiries as officials said a formal announcement was expected later Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Egbetokun's resignation comes after President Tinubu pledged that the establishment of state police to combat insecurity would not be postponed.
The President, during Monday’s Iftar with governors, declared that “security is the foundation of prosperity.”
Tinubu announces appointment of new IGP
Recall that President Tinubu announced the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
According to the presidency, the appointment of Disu was with immediate effect.
Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
New IGP: 8 senior officers who may leave
Legit.ng also reported that President Tinubu appointed Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
Reports state that Disu’s appointment, though in an acting capacity, could lead to the exit of several senior Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police.
Observers note that this change marks a significant shift in the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.
Source: Legit.ng
