Presidency breaks silence on IGP Egbetokun’s resignation
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The confirmation came amid swirling speculation about the circumstances of Egbetokun's exit from the top police post, which he assumed on June 19, 2023, following his appointment by President Tinubu.
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Presidency has officially confirmed the resignation of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, attributing his departure to pressing family issues that demand his full attention, even as conflicting reports suggest the move followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement responding to inquiries from PUNCH Online on Tuesday, Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga disclosed: “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
The confirmation came amid swirling speculation about the circumstances of Egbetokun’s exit from the top police post, which he assumed on June 19, 2023, following his appointment by President Tinubu.
Egbetokun, who had his tenure extended by one year in 2025, submitted the resignation letter on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that AIG Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police recently overseeing key operations, is poised to succeed Egbetokun as the 23rd Inspector-General, pending formal announcement and presidential approval.
Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian police officer who served as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from June 2023 until his resignation in February 2026.
A mathematician by training, he earned a B.Sc. in Mathematics (1987) and M.Sc. in Engineering Analysis (1996) from the University of Lagos, after briefly lecturing at Yaba College of Technology.
He further obtained a PGD in Petroleum Economics (2000), an MBA (2004), and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies.
Egbetokun joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent in March 1990, accumulating over 35 years of service.
He held key roles, including Commissioner in Lagos and Osun States, and Deputy Inspector-General overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
A close ally of President Bola Tinubu, whom he previously served as Chief Security Officer, Egbetokun was appointed acting IGP in 2023 and confirmed shortly after, with his tenure extended in 2025.
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