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

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

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