Tinubu Removes Kayode Egbetokun, Set to Appoint Tunji Disu as New Police Chief

President Bola Tinubu has asked Kayode Egbetokun to step down as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), sources told Peoples Gazette, with Tunji Disu, an assistant inspector-general, recommended as his replacement.

The move comes as the president prepares to chart a new security course ahead of the 2027 general elections, which are just a year away. Disu, like Tinubu and Egbetokun, is of Yoruba origin and is expected to be swiftly confirmed by the Nigerian Senate, having earned a reputation as one of the country’s most competent police officers.

The decision was reportedly taken at a meeting held on Monday evening at the Presidential Villa, during which Egbetokun was asked to submit his resignation. A State House source said an official announcement would be made soon.

It remains unclear whether Egbetokun raised objections, and a police spokesperson had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.

Experience and Credentials of the New IGP Disu

Egbetokun’s tenure has been marked by controversy, with critics suggesting his continued leadership could negatively impact the president’s re-election prospects. Political activist Yele Sowore has also criticized Egbetokun for remaining in office beyond his official retirement age of September 2024.

Tunji Disu, 59, hails from Lagos State and has a long and varied police career. Before being recommended as IGP, he served as AIG in charge of the Force Crime Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos.

He has also held positions as police commissioner in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja, and head of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos. Earlier in his career, he served as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun.

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Disu’s academic background includes a degree in English Education from Lagos State University (1990), a diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies (2000), a Master’s in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, and a Master’s in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University (2022).

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The news of Egbetokun’s removal and Disu’s nomination was first reported Tuesday morning by Sahara Reporters. Analysts suggest that the appointment reflects Tinubu’s intent to address security challenges while demonstrating careful consideration of experience and competence at the top of the police hierarchy.

Disu is widely regarded as a hands-on officer with expertise in both operational command and investigative functions, a combination observers say could strengthen the Nigeria Police Force as the nation prepares for the critical 2027 elections.