REVEALED: How Dispute Over VIP Police Protection, State Policing Led to Egbetokun’s Exit as IGP

Former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was relieved of his duties by President Bola Tinubu after months of escalating disagreements over security reforms, VIP police protection, state policing, and internal leadership conduct, according to senior Presidency and security sources.

Although Egbetokun officially attributed his exit to “family issues” in a resignation letter, insiders disclosed that he was summoned to the Presidential Villa and instructed to vacate office, bringing his tenure to an abrupt end despite expectations that he would remain in office until October 2027 under the amended Police Act.

The immediate trigger for his removal was the handling of a November 23, 2025 presidential directive ordering the redeployment of over 11,000 police officers from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) to communities ravaged by kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. Sources said Egbetokun was perceived to have delayed and partially implemented the order, arguing that business leaders and economic actors still required police protection.

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President Tinubu reportedly rejected that argument, insisting that such protection could be handled by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) or private security providers. The President later reaffirmed the directive as non-negotiable at a Federal Executive Council meeting, instructing all security agencies to ensure full compliance.

Presidency officials further alleged that resistance to the directive was partly linked to financial interests, with claims that the VIP protection scheme generated over ₦300 billion annually through protection fees. Reports that some officers allegedly continued VIP duties in disguise or paid to retrieve service weapons after redeployment reportedly deepened mistrust between the Presidency and the police leadership.

Another major point of friction was Egbetokun’s open opposition to state policing, a reform strongly backed by the President and currently before the National Assembly. Sources said the former IGP publicly presented a memorandum against state police at a legislative hearing, a move viewed within the Presidency as directly contradicting the Commander-in-Chief’s reform agenda.

Concerns were also raised over Egbetokun’s leadership style and relationship with senior officers, particularly Olatunji Disu, who has since assumed office in an acting capacity. Presidency insiders alleged that the former IGP used his authority against colleagues in a manner the President found unacceptable, especially given their shared professional history.

Several sources noted that Tinubu had played a key role in Egbetokun’s rise, supporting multiple promotions during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The President was reportedly displeased by claims that Egbetokun expected some senior officers to exit the force despite legal protections under the amended Police Act.

Despite reportedly appealing for time to complete his tenure, Egbetokun was informed that the decision was final. Presidency insiders said his removal reflected accumulated policy clashes, resistance to reforms, and leadership concerns, rather than a single incident.

REVEALED: How Dispute Over VIP Police Protection, State Policing Led to Egbetokun’s Exit as IGP

PUNCH

Troops Crush ESN/IPOB Hideout in Imo’s Mother Valley, Arrest Suspects

Joint military forces under Operation UDO KA have successfully overrun a suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN)/Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hideout in the Mother Valley area of Orsu Local Government, Imo State, following a coordinated ground assault on February 26, 2026.

A credible source at the Nigerian Army told reporters that the operation involved personnel from the Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Troops advanced on foot for over three hours through restricted and difficult terrain to reach the suspected militant camp.

The joint team encountered heavy resistance from ESN/IPOB fighters who employed locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense gunfire. Despite this, the troops displayed professionalism and resilience, overcoming defensive positions and dominating the valley.

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During the operation, one suspected militant was neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Two suspects were apprehended—one attempting to plant an IED, and another alleged to be spying on troop movements. Both are now in the custody of the 34 Military Intelligence for profiling and further investigation.

Authorities recovered multiple items from the hideout, including two pump-action guns, a locally-fabricated firearm, a tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, a Biafran flag, a United States flag, and an Israeli flag. Troops also destroyed key life-support structures, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, used by the militants.

Vehicles belonging to the militants, including a Kia saloon and a black Toyota Sequoia SUV, were also seized and are being moved to a Forward Operating Base in Orsu.

This operation is part of sustained military efforts to dismantle cross-state militant networks, neutralize armed groups, and restore peace and security in the South-East. Local residents have been urged to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations and ensure the safety of communities.

Troops Crush ESN/IPOB Hideout in Imo’s Mother Valley, Arrest Suspects

DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind behind the December 14, 2025 attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, in which worshippers were abducted during a church service.

Security sources said Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had reportedly gone into hiding following the attack. During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack and other kidnapping operations in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.

Investigators revealed that Usman collaborated with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States, who allegedly supplied arms and coordinated criminal operations with him.

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“After the Kogi attack, Usman fled to Gombe, but DSS operatives tracked and arrested him,” a source said. The DSS highlighted that the arrest underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-state banditry and terrorism networks, as well as neutralize arms-trafficking operations and rescue kidnapped victims.

The suspect remains in DSS custody and is expected to be arraigned soon as investigations continue into the church attack and other linked criminal activities.

The December 2025 Ayetoro church abduction had sparked nationwide outrage, highlighting the rising insecurity and threat of banditry in North-Central Nigeria. DSS officials have reassured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and securing places of worship.

DSS Apprehends Alleged Mastermind of Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack in Kogi