President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and appointed Olatunji Disu as acting IGP, a move that could trigger the retirement of about eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and several senior Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs). The presidency said Egbetokun resigned citing “pressing family considerations,” and thanked him for his service, while confirming that Disu’s appointment takes immediate effect pending confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate.
Security sources and retired officers said it is customary for DIGs and senior AIGs to retire when a new IGP is appointed to ensure a clear chain of command. Among those likely to be affected are DIGs Frank Mba, Sadiq Idris Abubakar, Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi, Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, Idegwu Basil Okuoma, Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, Funsho Adegboye and Fayoade Adegoke. Retired AIG Ademola Jonathan and former Commissioner of Police Chidi Ndu noted that the decision ultimately rests with the new IGP in the interest of operational stability.
Civil society group Visionary Leaders Consensus (VLC) opposed Disu’s appointment, warning it could lead to the compulsory retirement of up to 29 senior officers, including 16 AIGs and nine DIGs. The group argued that Disu, born April 13, 1966, would reach the mandatory retirement age of 60 in April 2026, potentially resulting in a short tenure unless the Police Act is again amended. It cautioned that another leadership change in quick succession could destabilise the Force and erode public confidence.
Regional groups also weighed in. The Arewa Consultative Forum said it was not surprised by the appointment, describing it as consistent with the president’s style, while the Middle Belt Forum criticised Egbetokun’s tenure as uninspiring and expressed doubt that Disu’s emergence would bring significant reform. Former ACF Secretary-General Anthony Sani, however, said Egbetokun’s removal would promote discipline within the Force.
Disu, a former Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the FCT and ex-commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team, joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992. He holds degrees from Lagos State University and Adekunle Ajasin University and has attended several professional courses locally and abroad. His appointment is subject to confirmation, as the administration seeks to stabilise leadership in the nation’s top law enforcement agency.
