President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Olukayode Egbetokun from office as the Inspector-General of Police.
Presidential aides, who spoke in confidence, confirmed this development on Tuesday. Tinubu was said to have asked Egbetokun to step aside during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
“Yes. Egbetokun is gone,” one of the aides said. Another added, “A formal statement is being prepared as we speak. The announcement will be made soon.”
According to The Punch, efforts to obtain confirmation from the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him had not been returned as of the time of filing this report. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, also did not respond to calls.
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Sources within the police hierarchy hinted that a successor may have been identified, although no official announcement had been made. Olatunji Disu had been contacted in connection with the position.
“He has been contacted, but we are all waiting for the official confirmation, which should come later in the day,” the source said.
Egbetokun was appointed on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. In 2024, his continued stay in office generated controversy after he officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4. However, his tenure was extended following an amendment to the Police Act.
Born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Egbetokun earned a B.Sc. in Mathematics (Honours) from the University of Lagos in 1987 and briefly lectured at the institution. He later obtained an M.Sc. in Engineering Analysis, an MBA, and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over the years, he served as Chief Security Officer to then-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu (1999–2005), Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Commissioner of Police in several states, and Deputy Inspector-General overseeing the South-West zone and the Force Criminal Investigation Department before he was appointed IGP.
Appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, and later confirmed as the 22nd IGP, Egbetokun led the force until February 24, 2026. His tenure focused on institutional reforms, including promotions, welfare enhancements, and the establishment of specialized units such as the Police Special Intervention Squad to combat violent crimes, including armed robbery and kidnapping.
Under his leadership, the force recorded operational gains through intelligence-driven policing, expansion of Mobile Force squadrons for rapid response, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and the adoption of community-oriented policing strategies aimed at rebuilding public trust. He was widely credited with improving operational efficiency and professionalism within the police system.
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