The 22nd Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has said the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is “never the story of one individual, but the unfolding story of an institution in constant service to the nation.”
Egbetokun stated this on Thursday in Abuja during his pulling-out parade, formally bowing out of the Force after 36 years of service. Describing the occasion as a defining moment in his career, he reflected on more than three decades of policing and public service.
In his valedictory address, the former police chief revealed that the Federal Government had approved the introduction of academic and professional programmes leading to National Diplomas in police colleges across the country.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust placed in him to lead the Force, noting that the administration focused on strengthening institutional processes, expanding operational capacity and improving the police response to evolving security challenges.
Egbetokun said his tenure witnessed reforms aimed at reinforcing professionalism, promoting merit-based advancement and strengthening intelligence-led policing. He noted that the Police Intelligence Bureau was expanded into a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, while the legal and medical units were elevated to directorate status.
He also highlighted technological improvements, including the upgrade of the police cybercrime centre into an advanced facility capable of monitoring Nigeria’s cyberspace and supporting modern investigations. According to him, the national criminal database was strengthened while officers received professional training to enhance investigative and operational capabilities.
On operations, Egbetokun said the Force expanded its presence nationwide with the creation of additional Police Mobile Force squadrons, new area commands and divisions to bring policing closer to communities. He added that the Special Intervention Squad recorded notable operational successes across the country.
He further noted strengthened collaboration with international partners, which opened training and scholarship opportunities for officers in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
The former IGP also cited infrastructural development within the Force, including completed and ongoing projects in several states, as well as the commissioning of modern police headquarters complexes in Ogun and Adamawa.
Among other milestones, he referenced the Federal Government’s recognition of April 7 as National Police Day and the passage of the Police Institutions and Establishments Act to provide direct funding for police training institutions.
Egbetokun thanked officers and men of the Force for their dedication, and appreciated the Minister of Police Affairs, the National Assembly, sister security agencies and international partners for their support.
He also expressed gratitude to his family for their patience and sacrifices throughout his years of service.
Egbetokun formally handed over leadership of the Force to the 23rd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urging him to lead the institution to greater heights.
“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 security agencies, traditional rulers, and serving and retired police officers.
