Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was asked to proceed on retirement amid allegations of administrative lapses, operational failures, and internal disagreements within the Nigeria Police Force.
Sources indicated that several state police commands did not receive their monthly operational allocations for as long as six to seven months. The development reportedly affected logistics, administration, and the overall capacity of officers to respond effectively to rising insecurity in states including Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Adamawa.
President Bola Tinubu was said to have raised concerns following a surge in kidnappings, community attacks, and killings across parts of the country. Investigations allegedly revealed that the non-remittance of funds had significantly weakened operations in affected commands, prompting dissatisfaction at the highest levels of government.
Another issue that reportedly strained relations between the former IGP and the Presidency involved the redeployment of Olatunji Disu. Disu, who had been tasked with implementing the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs under the Special Protection Unit (SPU), was removed from the unit and replaced by a coursemate of Egbetokun. The move was perceived as controversial, leading to a directive for Disu’s reinstatement.
However, he was subsequently redeployed to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos, further deepening tensions.
Egbetokun’s tenure was also reportedly overshadowed by allegations of misuse of special promotions, with claims that some officers received accelerated promotions without meeting established qualifications, examinations, or experience requirements. The practice allegedly disrupted merit-based progression and dampened morale within the force.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that about 39 senior officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) senior to Disu, have been lobbying relevant authorities to retain their positions and continue serving under the new leadership.
Following Egbetokun’s exit, Olatunji Disu was appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police. Disu, who joined the police in May 1992, holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Lagos State University, as well as master’s degrees in Public Administration and in Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology.
At a meeting held at the State House, Abuja, the Police Council — comprising President Tinubu, state governors, and the FCT Minister — unanimously confirmed Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.
Egbetokun, appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended after an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The developments highlight a mix of operational challenges, internal disputes, and administrative concerns that ultimately led to the leadership change at the Nigeria Police Force.