Sources quoted by Vanguard have outlined factors associated with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to proceed on retirement, including non-remittance of monthly operational funds to some state commands and disputed personnel decisions.
The Inspector-General of Police leads the Nigeria Police Force, the principal law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining internal security and public order across Nigeria.
The Police Act provides the framework for leadership appointments and administration of the force. Kayode Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd IGP in June 2023.
According to sources cited in Vanguard, an internal review of police operations revealed that monthly allocations meant for administrative, operational, and logistical running of certain state commands were not remitted for periods ranging from six to seven months during Egbetokun’s tenure.
The sources said these funds were provided to the Inspector-General for distribution.
The report said that President Tinubu, concerned about rising security challenges including kidnappings and attacks in states such as Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Adamawa, sought explanations from state police commissioners on their capacity to respond effectively.
It was reported that the absence of remitted allocations affected command operations.
Vanguard quoted sources as saying that another issue linked to the removal directive involved the reassignment of Assistant Inspector-General Tunji Disu from his position in the Special Protection Force/Unit.
The report said Disu was replaced by another officer, prompting presidential instruction for Disu’s reinstatement.
The sources also mentioned concerns about the use of special promotions within the police, with some officers reportedly receiving accelerated promotions without attending requisite examinations or gaining required experience, according to the Vanguard article.
Following Egbetokun’s retirement directive, Tunji Disu was appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police. A Police Council meeting scheduled for March 2, 2026, was reported to be expected to confirm Disu as the substantive Inspector-General in accordance with the Police Act 2020.
The developments reported by Vanguard highlight internal administrative challenges cited by sources in relation to the leadership transition at the Nigeria Police Force.
Confirmation of the Acting IGP’s position by the Police Council and subsequent ratification processes are anticipated steps under the Police Act 2020.
