No fewer than 29 top-ranking police officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), may be removed from office following the dismissal of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Sources within the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission told Sahara Reporters on Tuesday that the anticipated shake-up forms part of a broader reorganisation of the police high command.
“29 senior police officers are to be fired, so senior DIGs and AIGs are set to go,” a source said.
Multiple sources indicated that Egbetokun’s removal was carried out on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
One insider stated, “Egbetokun was at the (Presidential) Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that already and he will be handing over to Tunji Disu.”
He is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
As of the time this report was filed, an official announcement confirming Egbetokun’s removal had yet to be made.
Another source alleged that Egbetokun’s tenure was surrounded by several controversies.
“He is incompetent and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President said he should leave to focus on getting treatment for himself. You know, he has kidney-related medical issues,” the source claimed.
There were also claims that some officers welcomed the development.
“Police officers jubilated on Monday when they heard the news. The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, wanted him to stay, but the President was adamant. She fought that he should remain in office despite all the scandals,” another source said.
Egbetokun’s tenure as IGP generated debate, particularly over his continued stay in office after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 or completing 35 years of service.
The National Assembly amended the Police Act to permit an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term, a decision that drew criticism from civil society organisations and opposition figures.
Critics maintained that his prolonged stay weakened institutional discipline and created perceptions of favouritism within the force.
The proposed removal of senior DIGs and AIGs is believed to be part of efforts to restructure and reposition the police hierarchy under the incoming leadership.
