Fresh details have emerged on the removal of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, with multiple Presidency and police sources alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu compelled him to resign over disagreements bordering on VIP police deployment, state policing reforms and alleged internal vendettas.
Although Egbetokun cited “family issues” in his resignation letter submitted on Tuesday, insiders disclosed that he was summoned to the Presidential Villa and informed that he had to step down.
At the centre of the fallout was the November 23, 2025 presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of more than 11,000 police officers from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) for redeployment to communities battling kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
Presidency sources alleged that Egbetokun resisted the directive and argued during a security meeting that business leaders required police protection. The President reportedly countered that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) could provide adequate cover.
Tinubu later declared the order “non-negotiable” at a Federal Executive Council meeting and directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to coordinate its implementation alongside the police and NSCDC. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services were also asked to issue further guidance.
Sources further claimed that the VIP deployment scheme generated over N300bn annually through payments made by businesses and individuals for police protection — a revenue stream allegedly disrupted by the withdrawal order.
Another major grievance reportedly stemmed from Egbetokun’s alleged opposition to state police creation — a flagship reform championed by the President and currently undergoing constitutional amendment at the National Assembly.
Insiders claimed the former IGP presented a memorandum against state policing during a public hearing, a move interpreted as a direct contradiction of the administration’s policy direction.
Just hours after summoning Egbetokun to the Villa, Tinubu reiterated at an interfaith dinner that state police would not be postponed, insisting it was critical to tackling insecurity nationwide.
Sources also cited alleged vindictive conduct toward senior colleagues, particularly Olatunji Disu, who has since been appointed Acting IGP.
Both men previously served under Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor between 1999 and 2007 — Egbetokun as Chief Security Officer and Disu as Aide-de-Camp.
Presidency insiders alleged that the President was displeased with what they described as Egbetokun’s use of office against peers who shared similar career trajectories.
Disu, who currently serves in acting capacity, is expected to be considered for confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council next week. If approved, his name will be forwarded to the Senate in line with the Police Act 2020.
Tinubu had appointed Egbetokun as the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023, succeeding Alkali Baba. Despite turning 60 in September 2024, his tenure was extended following a 2024 amendment to the Police Act granting IGPs a fixed four-year term, irrespective of age.
However, mounting tensions over security reforms and internal police administration appear to have culminated in his abrupt exit.
While the Presidency has yet to issue a detailed public statement beyond accepting his resignation, the development signals a decisive move by Tinubu to align the police leadership with his security reform agenda, particularly the push for decentralised policing.