President Bola Tinubu removed former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun after months of tension over security reforms, financial interests, and internal power struggles—contrary to claims that he resigned over “family issues.”
Presidency and police sources say Egbetokun was summoned to the Presidential Villa on Monday evening and told to step aside immediately. Though his tenure was legally protected until October 2027 under the 2024 Police Act amendment, Tinubu reportedly rejected his plea for more time.
The immediate trigger was Egbetokun’s handling of Tinubu’s November 23, 2025 directive ordering the withdrawal of over 11,000 police officers from VIP protection to fight kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. Insiders say the former IGP delayed implementation and openly argued during a security meeting that business leaders needed police cover—an argument Tinubu dismissed, insisting the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps could replace them.
Sources claim the resistance was tied to money. The VIP protection scheme allegedly generated over ₦300bn annually, with individuals and firms paying ₦100,000 per officer monthly, while officers received roughly half. Tinubu’s order disrupted the revenue flow, leading to alleged sabotage, including officers disguising themselves in other uniforms to continue VIP duties.
On December 10, 2025, Tinubu restated the order at a Federal Executive Council meeting, calling it “non-negotiable” and directing Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies to enforce full compliance.
A second fault line was state police. Egbetokun allegedly opposed the policy publicly and submitted a memorandum against it at a National Assembly hearing—days before Tinubu told governors that state policing “will not be postponed” as Nigeria prepares for constitutional amendments.
The final concern was Egbetokun’s alleged treatment of colleagues, especially Olatunji Disu, who now serves as Acting IGP. Both men served Tinubu during his time as Lagos governor, but sources say the President frowned at what he saw as vindictive conduct toward a long-time ally.
The Nigeria Police Council is expected to meet next week to consider Disu’s confirmation before Tinubu forwards his name to the Senate.
