10 key things to know about former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, resigned from his position on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. His exit followed a Monday night meeting at the Presidential Villa with President Bola Tinubu.

According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, he clarified that Egbetokun resigned as IGP; he was not sacked.

He said, “Egbetokun resigned today. He was not sacked. A statement will be issued later.”

Below are 10 key things to know about former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

1. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun was born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

2. He graduated from the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1987. He worked as a Mathematics lecturer at Yaba College of Technology before his police career.

3. He enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

4. Following the return to democracy, he was appointed Chief Security Officer to the then Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in 1999.

5. He earned multiple postgraduate degrees during his service between 1996 and 2004, including a master’s degree in Engineering Analysis, a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics, and an MBA.

6. He served in various leadership roles from 2005 to 2022, including Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos and Commissioner of Police in Kwara State.

7. He obtained a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University.

8. On June 19, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police, succeeding Usman Alkali Baba.

9. Although he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024, his tenure was extended under the amended Police Act 2024, which allows for a four-year term.

10. He submitted his resignation letter on the morning of February 24, 2026. Tunji Disu is expected to be named as his successor.

The resignation of Kayode Egbetokun concludes a tenure defined by his long-standing professional ties to the current administration and his firm stance against the decentralisation of the police force.

ALSO READ: IGP: Egbetokun resigned, not sacked — Presidency clarifies

A formal handover ceremony is expected at the Force Headquarters in Abuja as the government prepares to announce a substantive replacement.