Egbetokun Resigns as Nigeria's Inspector General of Police

Kayode Egbetokun resigned from his position as Inspector General of Police on October 3, 2023, citing family issues that required his undivided attention. His resignation followed significant public pressure and criticism regarding the handling of protests during his tenure.

Security expert Abdullahi Adamu Bakoji characterized Egbetokun's resignation as a strategic move aimed at calming public tensions and restoring confidence in Nigeria's security architecture. Bakoji noted that the resignation was not entirely unexpected given the level of public dissatisfaction and visible pressure from civil society groups and political actors.

Egbetokun's exit was also influenced by allegations of a blacklist from the International Press Institute and concerns regarding the neutrality of the police force. He was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police on June 19, 2023, and his tenure was expected to last until October 2027, following amendments to the police act.