President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly approved a major Nigeria Police leadership change following claims that Tinubu sacks IGP Kayode Egbetokun as part of a sweeping overhaul of the country’s security architecture. The development, which is yet to be formally confirmed by the Presidency, has generated intense reactions across political and security circles in Abuja.
Sources within the Federal Capital Territory indicate that the decision is tied to the administration’s push for renewed operational efficiency in tackling persistent security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and communal violence. Although no official gazette or broadcast has been released, insiders suggest the move is driven by the need for what they describe as new energy and a fresh strategic direction within the Nigeria Police Force.
Kayode Egbetokun, who was appointed Inspector General of Police in June 2023, has led the force through a period marked by both reforms and criticism. While his tenure has been credited with efforts to modernize and digitize certain police operations, concerns have continued to mount over response times to rural attacks and high profile security breaches in several states.
According to sources familiar with discussions at the highest levels of government, President Tinubu has faced sustained pressure from security experts and key stakeholders to reassess the performance of top security officials. If officially confirmed, the reported removal would represent the first major shake up at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force under the current administration, sending a clear message that accountability remains central to the President’s security agenda.
The development comes at a critical time when the Federal Government is weighing proposals for the establishment of state police, a reform that would require strong coordination between federal and state security structures. Analysts believe that any transition in police leadership must be carefully managed to prevent disruption of ongoing operations against criminal networks.
Speculation has already begun regarding possible successors, with several Assistant Inspectors General and Deputy Inspectors General of Police mentioned as potential candidates. Observers note that whoever assumes the role will inherit a complex security landscape demanding decisive action and strategic foresight.
Political commentators also link the timing of the reported change to a broader effort by the administration to review performance across key sectors ahead of its mid term evaluation. An official clarification from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity is expected to address the status of the police leadership and outline the next steps.
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As Nigerians await formal confirmation, the reported exit of Egbetokun underscores the administration’s emphasis on performance driven governance. The coming days are likely to shape public confidence in the country’s law enforcement institutions and signal the direction of Nigeria’s evolving security strategy.
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