Sources Reveal Real Reasons Behind Calls for IGP Egbetokun's Resignation

Multiple sources within the security establishment have shed light on the underlying factors that prompted recent calls for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria's top police officer.

According to insiders familiar with the developments, the pressure on the IGP stems from a combination of operational challenges, internal police politics, and concerns about the rising insecurity in several parts of the country despite increased security spending.

The Nigeria Police Force has faced criticism over its handling of various security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts in the North, as well as separatist agitations and violent crimes in other regions. Critics argue that the force has struggled to adapt to evolving security threats.

Sources say there are also internal divisions within the police hierarchy regarding reform initiatives and resource allocation, with some senior officers reportedly frustrated with the direction of the force under the current leadership.

The Inspector General, who assumed office in June 2023, has implemented several reform programmes aimed at modernising the police force and improving public trust. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been questioned by both internal and external observers.

Police authority watchers note that calls for the IGP's resignation are not unprecedented in Nigeria, with previous inspectors general facing similar pressure during periods of heightened insecurity. The position is politically sensitive, requiring the confidence of both the presidency and the police establishment.

The recent security breaches, including high-profile kidnappings and attacks on critical infrastructure, have intensified scrutiny of the police leadership. Opposition figures and civil society organisations have argued that the security situation warrants new leadership at the helm of the force.

Presidential sources indicate that the Tinubu administration is closely monitoring the situation, with the President expected to make a decision on the IGP's future based on a comprehensive assessment of the security landscape and the force's operational performance.

Egbetokun has not publicly responded to the calls for his resignation. His supporters within the force point to ongoing recruitment drives, equipment upgrades, and training programmes as evidence of progress in his reform agenda.

The coming weeks are expected to be critical for the IGP's tenure, as security experts warn that without significant improvements in policing outcomes, pressure for leadership change is likely to intensify.