INSIDE EGBETOKUN’S EXIT: POLICY CLASHES, VIP SECURITY ROW AND PRESS FREEDOM CONTROVERSY EMERGE

INSIDE EGBETOKUN’S EXIT: POLICY CLASHES, VIP SECURITY ROW AND PRESS FREEDOM CONTROVERSY EMERGE

The resignation of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has continued to attract national attention, as emerging details from informed sources point to policy disagreements and administrative concerns that may have shaped the development.

While the Presidency officially stated that Mr Egbetokun stepped down for family reasons, multiple sources familiar with internal deliberations indicated that deeper institutional issues preceded his departure.

Among the key matters reportedly linked to the development is the ongoing debate over the creation of state police. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently advocated for decentralised policing as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening internal security across the country. At the National Dialogue on State Policing in April 2024, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restructuring the Nigeria Police Force to make it more responsive to local security challenges. Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described state policing as a potential milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s law enforcement framework.

However, Mr Egbetokun had publicly expressed reservations about the initiative. Speaking through senior officer Ben Okolo at the same dialogue, he maintained that Nigeria might not yet be institutionally prepared for a state-controlled policing system. He cautioned that such a structure could be vulnerable to abuse by political actors at the state level, raising concerns that governors might deploy state police for political or personal interests, potentially undermining human rights and national cohesion.

Despite those concerns, President Tinubu continued to canvass support for state police, reiterating his position at subsequent engagements, including meetings with religious leaders and senior government officials. Shortly before the leadership change in the police force, the President again pledged his commitment to establishing state police as part of efforts to combat insecurity nationwide.

Another issue cited by sources relates to a presidential directive issued in November 2025 concerning the redeployment of police officers attached to VIPs. At a high-level security meeting, the President reportedly directed that VIPs requiring armed protection should seek personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to enable more police officers to be reassigned to frontline security duties. Insiders indicated that compliance with the directive was considered below expectations, with concerns raised over the slow pace of withdrawing officers from non-core assignments.

Additionally, the reported blacklisting of Mr Egbetokun by International Press Institute Nigeria (IPI Nigeria) was mentioned by sources as another factor that may have contributed to internal concerns. The development reportedly followed criticisms regarding alleged attacks on journalists during his tenure. According to those familiar with the matter, the situation was viewed as potentially sensitive, particularly in the context of the administration’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and press freedom.

As of the time of this report, the Presidency has not issued further clarification beyond its initial statement citing personal reasons for the resignation. Security policy observers note that debates over state policing, security sector reforms, and the protection of press freedom are likely to remain prominent in national discourse in the coming months.