Change of Guard: President Tinubu Replaces IGP Egbetokun with AIG Tunji Disu
ABUJA — The tenure of Kayode Egbetokun as Nigeria’s top cop has reached a sudden conclusion.
Reports emerged on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, confirming that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has resigned from his position following a direct request from President Bola Tinubu. In a swift move to ensure institutional stability, the President has designated Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the new head of the Nigeria Police Force.
While a formal announcement from the Presidency is still pending, insiders at both the Presidential Villa and Police Headquarters confirm that preparations for a formal handover ceremony are already underway.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Force Public Relations Department has maintained a tactical silence. However, sources at Louis Edet House indicate that the transition team has already begun documenting files for a smooth transfer of power. Nigerians now look to Tunji Disu to lead a “Renewed Hope” police force that is more accountable and effective in tackling the nation’s evolving security challenges.
The “Villa Meeting” and Forced Resignation
The transition follows a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening. The Exit: Sources reveal that President Tinubu personally requested Egbetokun’s resignation during the closed-door session. The Reason: While official reasons remain undisclosed, Egbetokun’s leadership faced sustained criticism over his extended stay in office past the mandatory retirement age of 60, a move legal experts had labelled “institutionally damaging.”
Meet the New Chief: Who is Tunji Disu?
The incoming 23rd Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, is no stranger to high-pressure policing. Track Record: Disu previously commanded the celebrated Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos and led the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja. Current Standing: Before this appointment, he served as the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. The Reputation: Known for a tech-savvy and community-centric approach, Disu is expected to prioritise police modernisation and public trust, two areas where the outgoing leadership struggled.
End of a Controversial Tenure
Kayode Egbetokun’s time at the helm was marked by significant legal debates. Although he turned 60 in September 2024—the statutory retirement age—a controversial amendment to the Police Act 2024 allowed him to stay on for a fixed four-year term.
However, the “legal stay” did not insulate him from public outcry over rising insecurity and allegations of human rights abuses. With the appointment of Tunji Disu, the Tinubu administration appears to be bowing to pressure for a fresh start within the Force.
Handover Preparations
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Force Public Relations Department has maintained a tactical silence. However, sources at Louis Edet House indicate that the transition team has already begun documenting files for a smooth transfer of power.
Nigerians now look to Tunji Disu to lead a “Renewed Hope” police force that is more accountable and effective in tackling the nation’s evolving security challenges.