Prosper Okoye
Former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on Thursday highlighted reforms introduced during his tenure as he formally bowed out of office at a ceremonial pull-out parade organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
The ceremony marked the end of Egbetokun’s leadership of the police after serving as Nigeria’s 22nd indigenous inspector-general.
Addressing officers, security chiefs and invited guests, Egbetokun said the leadership of the police was part of a continuous institutional process rather than the achievement of a single individual.
“The office of the Inspector-General of Police represents a continual service and responsibility passed from one leadership to another in the collective interest of the force and the Nigerian people,” he said.
He paid tribute to previous police chiefs whose “leadership, dedication and sacrifices” helped shape the institution and guide its response to Nigeria’s changing security challenges.
Egbetokun also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him to lead the force, describing the role as one of the highest honours of his professional career.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said efforts were made to strengthen institutional processes, expand operational capacity and improve professionalism within the police.
Among the reforms he highlighted was the expansion of the police intelligence bureau into a full department headed by a deputy inspector-general. He also noted that the police legal and medical units were elevated to directorate status.
Egbetokun said the force strengthened its cybercrime centre to monitor Nigeria’s digital space and support modern investigations, while improvements were made to the national criminal database and officer training programmes.
Operational capacity was also expanded with the creation of additional police mobile force squadrons, new area commands and divisions aimed at bringing policing closer to communities, he added.
He further cited the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad, which he said recorded operational successes in different parts of the country.
The former police chief said cooperation with international partners created opportunities for officers through scholarships and specialised training programmes in countries including the United States, Britain, China, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
He also pointed to improvements in police infrastructure, including redevelopment projects in Kano, Kaduna and Lagos, and the construction of new police headquarters complexes in Ogun and Adamawa states.
Egbetokun cited the federal government’s recognition of April 7 as National Police Day and legislation providing direct funding for police training institutions as additional milestones.
“These achievements were made possible by the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force across all ranks,” he said.
The pull-out parade included a ceremonial review of the guard and was attended by senior government officials and members of Nigeria’s security leadership.
Speaking, IGP Tunji Disu paid tribute to his predecessor, describing Egbetokun’s retirement as the end of a distinguished policing career spanning more than three decades.
“The retirement of the 22nd Inspector-General of Police marks the formal conclusion of a distinguished policing career spanning over three and a half decades,” Disu said.
Egbetokun, who retired on February 25, 2026, joined the police in March 1990 as a cadet officer and rose through the ranks to lead the force.
Disu said the former police chief distinguished himself both as a professional officer and a scholar, noting that his doctorate in peace and security studies reflected his understanding of evolving security challenges.
He highlighted Egbetokun’s wide range of operational and administrative assignments, including leading the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos and serving as area commander in different parts of the country.
Egbetokun also served as chief security officer to President Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State.
According to Disu, the former police chief later served as assistant inspector-general in charge of Zone 7 and deputy inspector-general overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department before his appointment as inspector-general.
Disu said Egbetokun assumed office at a time when policing was undergoing transformation globally and in Nigeria.
“His tenure was defined by a clear vision for a professional, competent, service-driven and people-friendly police,” he said.
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He added that Egbetokun’s calm leadership style and strategic approach helped guide the force through complex security challenges.
“As he formally concludes his service today, he does so with honour, dignity and the admiration of his colleagues and the gratitude of a nation he served faithfully,” Disu said.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages at the event included former inspector-general Mike Okiro and traditional ruler Oba Ebenezer Alani Egunjobi, the Elerinja of Erinja, as well as Egbetokun’s former course mate.
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
