Presidency has said Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun resigned due to family matters requiring his full attention.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the police chief submitted his resignation in a letter on Monday, citing personal reasons.
However, sources within the presidency told reporters that Mr Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, said the meeting was not routine and that the police chief had been specifically summoned.
Mr Egbetokun was seen arriving at the villa earlier in the evening, at about the same time state governors gathered for an interfaith breaking of the fast with the president.
Security officials said he later returned to the State House, where his vehicle was searched by operatives.
Mr Egbetokun, appointed in June 2023, had faced growing criticism over insecurity across Nigeria, including kidnappings, banditry and attacks in several states.
Recent incidents include the abduction of schoolchildren in Niger State in 2025 and killings in parts of Kwara State in early 2026.
At Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu said plans to establish state police would not be delayed, describing security as essential for economic and social stability.
Mr Egbetokun succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended after an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
