The Presidency has announced the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in response to an inquiry, stating, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
Despite the official explanation, sources within the Presidential Villa disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to step aside during a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening in Abuja.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a senior Presidency official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Observers noted that Egbetokun’s official vehicle, bearing the number plate NPF-01, arrived at the Villa around 6:40 pm. Dressed in his black uniform without a cap, he briefly returned to his vehicle to retrieve a notepad from an aide before proceeding inside.
His arrival coincided with governors gathering for an interfaith Iftar hosted by the President, initially sparking speculation that he was attending the event. However, another source clarified that his presence was not routine.
“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” the source stated.
Security insiders further revealed that the former police chief returned to the State House later that evening, around 8:00 pm, when his vehicle underwent a security check by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Appointed on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun’s tenure was marked by growing public concern over insecurity, including widespread kidnappings, banditry and terrorist attacks across several states. Among notable incidents were the abduction of nearly 300 pupils from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State in November 2025 and deadly attacks on communities in Kwara State in February 2026, alongside recurring kidnappings on major highways.
During Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity through structural reforms.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity,” he said. “Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity.”
Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department. He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in September 2023 following an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga reiterated.
