Breaking: 29 Senior Police Brass May Be Dropped As New Leadership Takes Charge

At least 29 senior police officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), are reportedly set to be removed from their positions following the dismissal of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police.

Sources within the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission told Sahara Reporters on Tuesday that the planned shake-up is part of a broader restructuring of the force’s leadership.

“Twenty-nine senior police officers are to be relieved of their duties; senior DIGs and AIGs are expected to go,” a source revealed.

Egbetokun’s removal reportedly came at the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

According to one insider, “Egbetokun was at the Presidential Villa yesterday and was instructed to prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that and will be handing over to Tunji Disu.”

His expected successor is Tunji Disu, currently serving as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

As of the time of reporting, an official announcement regarding Egbetokun’s removal had not yet been issued.

Sources also noted that his tenure was marred by controversies. “He is incompetent, and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President advised him to step down to focus on his health, particularly his kidney issues,” one source claimed.

Reports suggested that some police officers welcomed the news of his departure. “Police personnel celebrated on Monday when they heard. The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, reportedly wanted him to remain, but the President was firm. She tried to intervene despite the scandals,” another source said.

Egbetokun’s time as IGP was controversial, especially due to his prolonged stay in office beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service. The National Assembly had amended the Police Act to allow an IGP to serve a fixed four-year term, a move that drew criticism from civil society and opposition groups. Critics argued that his extended tenure undermined institutional discipline and fueled perceptions of favoritism within the force.

The planned removal of senior DIGs and AIGs is seen as part of an effort to realign the police hierarchy under the incoming leadership.