Ex-IGP Egbetokun Bows Out, Says Police Leadership Not About One Individual

The 22nd Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has stated that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is not centred on one individual but represents the continuing evolution of an institution dedicated to national service.

Egbetokun made the remark on Thursday as he formally retired from the police after 36 years of service during a colourful pulling-out parade held in Abuja. He described the occasion as a defining moment in his career, marking the end of more than three decades of policing and public service.

Delivering an emotional valedictory speech, the former police chief revealed that the Federal Government had approved the introduction of academic and professional programmes leading to the award of National Diplomas in police colleges across the country.

Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust and opportunity to lead the force, noting that the administration focused on strengthening institutional processes, expanding operational capacity, and improving the police’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges nationwide.

According to him, several reforms were introduced during his tenure to strengthen professionalism, encourage merit-based promotion, and enhance intelligence-led policing within the force.

He disclosed that the Police Intelligence Bureau was expanded and upgraded into a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, while the legal and medical units were elevated to directorate status to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Egbetokun also highlighted improvements in the technological capacity of the police, noting that the force’s cybercrime centre was upgraded into a more advanced facility capable of monitoring Nigeria’s cyberspace and supporting modern investigations.

He added that the national criminal database was strengthened, while officers across various commands received professional training to improve investigative and operational performance.

The former IGP further explained that the operational reach of the police was expanded through the creation of additional Police Mobile Force squadrons, alongside new area commands and divisions aimed at bringing policing closer to local communities.

He also pointed to the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad, which he said had recorded notable operational successes across the country.

On international partnerships, Egbetokun said the police strengthened collaboration with global partners, providing opportunities for officers to benefit from scholarships and specialised training programmes in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

He also cited improvements in infrastructure, including completed and redeveloped projects in Kano State and Kaduna State, ongoing projects in Lagos State, and the commissioning of modern police headquarters complexes in Ogun State and Adamawa State.

Among other achievements, Egbetokun noted the Federal Government’s recognition of April 7 as National Police Day to honour police officers, as well as the passage of the Police Institutions and Establishments Act, which provides direct funding for police training institutions.

The former police chief thanked officers and personnel of the force for their loyalty, courage, and dedication to national service. He also appreciated the Minister of Police Affairs, the National Assembly, other security agencies and international partners for their cooperation.

Egbetokun reserved special appreciation for his family for their patience and support throughout his career, acknowledging the sacrifices made during his years in service.

He formally handed over the leadership of the force to the 23rd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urging him to continue building a stronger and more effective police institution.

“As I leave today, I do so with immense pride in the Nigeria Police Force and with full confidence that this great institution will continue to grow stronger in its commitment to protecting the Nigerian people,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, retired Inspectors-General of Police including Mike Okiro and Ogbonna Onovo, members of the National Assembly, service chiefs, heads of other security agencies, traditional rulers, as well as serving and retired police officers and members of the press.