President Bola Tinubu has removed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, bringing an end to his leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The President subsequently approved the appointment of Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, as the new Inspector-General. Sources said the change followed a directive asking Egbetokun to step down from office.
It was gathered that the decision was conveyed during a meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Monday, where the outgoing police chief was instructed to tender his resignation.
Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd Inspector-General of Police by Tinubu on June 19, 2023, shortly after the President assumed office. His nomination was later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023.
At the time of his appointment, he was 58 years old and was expected to retire on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, his continued stay in office generated debate after the President approved an extension of his tenure beyond the statutory retirement period.
The appointment of Disu is expected to usher in a new leadership phase for the police amid ongoing security challenges across the country.
Official confirmation from the Presidency on the transition was awaited as of press time.