President Bola Tinubu has officially accepted the resignation of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, leading to the immediate appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General. This significant leadership change in the Nigeria Police Force was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in a statement released on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, though PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported the impending exit based on presidential sources.

While the official reason for Mr. Egbetokun's resignation was attributed to "pressing family considerations" in the presidential statement, sources within the presidency indicated that he was asked to resign by the president during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for Mr. Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, acknowledging his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.

Kayode Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023, with his substantive appointment confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Initially, Mr. Egbetokun, who was 58 at the time of his appointment, was slated to retire on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, amendments to the Police Act by the National Assembly allowed an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term, regardless of age or years of service, unless they resigned or were removed by the president. This amendment extended his expected tenure until October 31, 2027. Despite his legal standing, his tenure was marked by various controversies, including complaints from Nigerians regarding human rights abuses.

Following Mr. Egbetokun’s departure, President Tinubu approved the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. The president underscored that this appointment was made in view of current security challenges confronting the nation and in accordance with existing laws and legal guidance. President Tinubu expressed confidence that AIG Disu’s extensive experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity would provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period. In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu is expected to convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider AIG Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Tunji Disu, born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, is a career police officer with more than three decades of experience. He enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. His recent promotion to Assistant Inspector General of Police in March 2025 and subsequent elevation to Acting IGP less than a year later is notable, especially given his proximity to the mandatory retirement age. Under existing police regulations, officers are typically required to retire upon reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service. Mr. Disu would have reached the age limit in 48 days, but his appointment as IGP means he is now expected to serve a full four-year tenure, unless he resigns or is removed.

Mr. Disu holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University (LASU), a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies, and two master’s degrees: one in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and another in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from LASU. His extensive professional training includes programmes on small arms smuggling, internet fraud, strategic leadership, and forensic and criminal intelligence, both within Nigeria and internationally.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Disu has held numerous operational and leadership roles. He served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in various states, led special units such as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and anti-kidnapping teams, and was the second-in-command of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Rivers State. In 2005, he notably led the first Nigerian police contingent on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), serving as acting Chief of Staff in Darfur. Between 2015 and 2021, he commanded the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), earning accolades for crime reduction. In 2021, he was appointed head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), succeeding Abba Kyari, and later served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Before his appointment as IGP, he was an AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, having been posted there earlier in the month, and previously attached to the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The presidency reiterated its administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.