By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, describing his career as one defined by dedication, professionalism and strategic leadership, as the Nigeria Police Force held a ceremonial pull-out parade in his honour at the Force Headquarters Abuja.
The colourful ceremony, marked the formal conclusion of Egbetokun’s distinguished policing career which spanned more than three and a half decades in the Nigeria Police Force.
In his address, Disu described the day as a historic moment for the police institution, noting that the ceremony was not merely a tradition but an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable legacy of a leader whose contributions had left a lasting imprint on the Force.
“Today is a deeply significant day in the history of the Nigeria Police Force. We gather here not merely to observe a ceremonial tradition, but to celebrate the remarkable career and enduring legacy of an officer whose service to this nation and to this institution has been defined by dedication, professionalism and exemplary leadership,” Disu said.
He noted that the retirement of Egbetokun on February 25, 2026 brought to a close a professional journey that began in March 1990 when he enlisted into the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Disu highlighted Egbetokun’s remarkable rise through the ranks, noting that his career was marked by diverse operational and administrative assignments that broadened his professional experience and strengthened his understanding of policing across the country.
Born on September 4, 1964 in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Egbetokun distinguished himself not only as a police officer but also as a respected scholar and strategist, earning a Doctorate degree in Peace and Security Studies.
The new police chief recalled their early professional relationship during their service at the Lagos State Government House when Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer to the then Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while he served as Aide-de-Camp.
“It was during that period that our professional paths intersected in a most memorable way. While he served as Chief Security Officer to the Governor, I had the honour of serving as Aide-de-Camp to the same Governor,” Disu recalled.
“At that time, neither of us could have imagined that years later destiny would place him at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force as Inspector-General of Police and that I would have the honour of succeeding him in that office,” he added.
Throughout his career, Disu noted, Egbetokun served in several key operational and administrative roles including Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau, Commandant of the Police Training School Ikeja, and Deputy Commandant of the Police College Ikeja.
He also served as Commissioner of Police in various formations including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit at Force Headquarters, SERVICOM, the Kwara State Police Command and Medical Administration in Falomo, Lagos.
According to Disu, these experiences prepared Egbetokun for the responsibility that came with his appointment as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police in June 2023.
Reflecting on his leadership, Disu said Egbetokun assumed office at a time when policing globally was undergoing transformation and responded with reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, operational efficiency and public trust.
“His tenure was defined by a clear vision: the development of a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law compliant and people-friendly police force,” Disu said.
He added that Egbetokun emphasized intelligence-driven policing, strengthened training and capacity building while reinforcing discipline, accountability and service within the Force.
Earlier in his farewell address, Egbetokun expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to the Nigerian government and people for the opportunity to serve the nation through the police institution.
“Today marks a deeply significant moment in my professional life as I take my final salute in uniform and bring to a close thirty-six years of service in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
The former police chief acknowledged the contributions of previous Inspectors-General of Police, noting that leadership of the Force represents a continuum of service rather than the achievement of one individual.
“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 said.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him to serve as Inspector-General of Police.
During his tenure, Egbetokun said deliberate reforms were introduced to strengthen institutional processes and operational capacity within the Force.
These included the expansion of the Intelligence Bureau into a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, the elevation of the Legal and Medical Units to Directorate status, and the strengthening of the Force’s Cybercrime Centre to enhance monitoring of Nigeria’s cyberspace.
He also noted improvements to the National Criminal Database, expansion of operational structures through the establishment of additional Police Mobile Force Squadrons, new Area Commands and Divisions, as well as the creation of the Special Intervention Squad which recorded operational successes across the country.
The former police chief further highlighted improvements in police infrastructure including barracks redevelopment projects completed in Kano and Kaduna and the commissioning of modern state command headquarters complexes in Ogun and Adamawa states.
Egbetokun also noted the introduction of the Annual Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony to recognise excellence within the Force, as well as the Federal Government’s designation of April 7 as National Police Day to honour the sacrifices of police officers.
“I am deeply grateful for the loyalty, courage and commitment of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force across all ranks and formations,” he said.
He also thanked the Minister of Police Affairs, the National Assembly, sister security agencies, and international partners from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany and the United Arab Emirates for their support to the Force during his tenure.
In an emotional moment, Egbetokun expressed gratitude to his family for their sacrifices throughout his years of service and wished his successor, Disu, success in leading the Force.
“As I take my 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 and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
Though leaving active service, Egbetokun said his loyalty to the police institution would remain unwavering.
“Service to the Nigeria Police Force is not merely a profession but a lifelong calling,” he added.
