By News Editor
The Presidency has announced the immediate resignation of Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), following what sources described as a presidential directive.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development in an official statement on Monday, stating that Egbetokun resigned, citing family matters that require his “undivided attention.”
Onanuga said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation and appointed Olatunji Ridwan Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.
Presidency Confirms Resignation of Egbetokun
Onanuga disclosed that Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter earlier in the day.
“The IG resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” he said.
He added that given the current security challenges facing the country, the President acted in line with extant laws and legal guidance to approve Disu’s appointment in an acting capacity.
“Citing the current security challenges confronting the country, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, the President approved the appointment of Disu in an acting capacity,” the statement read.
The Presidency expressed confidence in Disu’s leadership, noting that his operational experience and strategic background would provide stability to the Nigeria Police Force during a critical period.
Nigeria Police Council to Consider Disu’s Substantive Appointment
Onanuga further revealed that President Tinubu will soon convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP.
In line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, Disu’s name will subsequently be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
“The President reiterates his 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,” Onanuga stated.
Presidency Sources: Egbetokun Asked to Resign
The development marks a significant leadership transition within the Nigeria Police Force, with Disu assuming the role of Assistant Inspector General of Police with immediate effect. Sources within the force indicate that the change is part of an ongoing restructuring aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and leadership capacity.
Disu, a senior police officer with extensive experience in law enforcement and strategic operations, is expected to bring renewed focus to crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and public safety initiatives in his new capacity as AIG.
Also, multiple Presidency sources disclosed that Egbetokun was reportedly asked to step down during a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening.
He was first sighted at the Villa around 6:40 pm as the President prepared to break his fast with governors. He later returned around 8:00 pm, where security operatives reportedly searched his vehicle before granting access.
Egbetokun’s Appointment and Tenure Extension
Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as IGP on June 19, 2023, replacing former police chief Usman Alkali Baba. He was confirmed by the Police Council in October 2023.
Born on September 4, 1964, Egbetokun was originally expected to retire on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 under civil service rules.
However, in July 2024, the National Assembly amended the Police Act 2020 to allow the IGP to remain in office “until the end of the term stipulated in his appointment letter,” effectively extending his tenure to 2027.
Potential Impact on Senior Police Leadership
Security analysts suggest that Disu’s appointment as Acting IGP may trigger the retirement or resignation of several senior officers, in keeping with longstanding police tradition.
Among those potentially affected are Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) senior to Disu, including:
DIG Yahaya Abubakar (Finance and Administration)
DIG Bzigu Kwazhi (Operations)
DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply)
DIG Sadiq Abubakar (FCID)
DIG Frank Mba (Training and Development)
DIG Basil Idegwu (Research and Planning)
DIG Mohammed Gumel (Force Intelligence Bureau)
Observers note that vacancies created at the highest ranks could open up advancement opportunities for senior AIGs and Commissioners of Police.
National Security and Institutional Reforms
The leadership change comes at a time of heightened security challenges across Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and urban crime.
The Presidency maintains that the appointment of Disu as Acting IGP underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security architecture, enhancing institutional capacity, and reinforcing professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
Security analysts note that leadership changes at the level of Assistant Inspector General of Police often signal broader reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in areas relating to discipline, internal security, and community policing.
Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the appointment of Disu as the new AIG will enhance professionalism and reinforce ongoing efforts to modernize policing standards across commands under his supervision.
Profile of Acting IGP Olatunji Ridwan Disu
Early Life and Background
Name: Olatunji Ridwan Disu
Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
LGA: Lagos Island
State of Origin: Lagos State
Date of Appointment into Police: May 18, 1992
Entry Rank: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Career and Experience
Disu, promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in March 2025, has held several strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force:
AIG, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos (February 2026 – date)
AIG, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja (March 2025 – February 2026)
Commissioner of Police (CP), FCT Police Command (October 2024 – March 2025)
CP, Rivers State Police Command (November 2023 – October 2024)
Commissioner of Police, Admin and Intelligence, Force Intelligence Bureau
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT)
Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos (2015–2021)
Between 2015 and 2021, Disu led the RRS in Lagos, where the unit earned regional recognition for urban crime control.
Education
Disu holds multiple advanced degrees, including:
MSc in Entrepreneurship, National Open University of Nigeria (2023)
MSc in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology, Lagos State University (2022)
Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence, University of Lagos (2019)
MSc in Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University (2010)
BA (Ed) English, Lagos State University (1990)
Awards and Professional Recognition
He has received numerous commendations, including:
Best Commissioner of Police of the Year at the 2024 IGP Recognition Awards
CRAN Man of the Year (2018)
Regional awards for anti-crime operations and urban security management
Disu is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He holds a Third Dan black belt in Judo and currently serves as National Chairman of the Nigeria Police Judo Association.
