The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police, stating that he stepped down from office citing family matters that require his undivided attention.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this while responding to an inquiry by PUNCH, saying, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
However, multiple sources within the Presidency revealed that Egbetokun was asked to resign during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a senior Presidency official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the IGP’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with number plate NPF-01, arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa around 6:40 p.m. on Monday.
Egbetokun, dressed in his black police uniform without his cap, was seen stepping out of the vehicle and requesting his notepad from an aide before proceeding inside.
His arrival coincided with that of several state governors attending an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) with the President, initially sparking uncertainty over the purpose of his visit.
However, another source at the Villa confirmed that the police chief was specifically summoned.
“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” the source stated.
Security officials also disclosed that Egbetokun returned to the State House around 8:00 p.m., with his vehicle reportedly subjected to routine checks by DSS operatives at the Villa.
Egbetokun, who was appointed Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, had faced mounting criticism over the country’s worsening security situation, including kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks in several states.
Recent high-profile incidents include the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State in November 2025, mass killings in communities in Kwara State in February 2026, and continued kidnappings along major highways.
During Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to establish state police to address insecurity.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” the President said.
Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure expired in September 2023 following an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
PUNCH