Inspector–General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu on Thursday said his predecessor, Olukayode Egbetokun (retd.), brought clarity of purpose and strategic leadership to policing in the country.
Disu spoke at the valedictory parade and pullout ceremony in honour of Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The Nation reports that Thurdady’s ceremony was the first in 16 years that a retired IGP was accorded the symbolic honour reserved for senior officers who retire while on command appointments.
Ogbonnaya Onovo, who retired in 2010, was the last IGP the police ceremoniously pulled out of service.
Egbetokun’s pullout attracted a distinguished gathering of senior government officials, retired IGPs Mike Okiro and Ogbonna Onovo, members of the National Assembly, service chiefs, heads of sister security agencies, traditional rulers, as well as serving and retired police officers.
Disu recalled that Egbetokun’s administration pursued reforms that strengthened operational efficiency, enhanced professionalism, improved personnel development, and deepened public trust in policing.
The IGP said his predecessor emphasised intelligence-driven policing, strengthened training and capacity building, and reinforced the institutional values of discipline, accountability, and service.
“Beyond the operational reforms, his leadership style reflected calmness, intellectual depth, and strategic foresight; qualities that helped guide the Nigeria Police Force through complex security challenges.
“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 added.
The IGP said the pullout ceremony marked the formal conclusion of a distinguished policing career spanning over three and a half decades, adding that he left an indelible imprint on the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu recounted how Egbetokun distinguished himself as a dedicated police officer, and an accomplished scholar and strategist.
“His pursuit of knowledge, which culminated in a Doctorate in Peace and Security Studies, reflects his deep appreciation of the evolving nature of security challenges and the importance of informed leadership in addressing them,” he said.
From Egbetokun’s early days in the police, Disu said it was evident he possessed the discipline and foresight required for leadership in policing.
The IGP said Egbetokum rose through the ranks with distinction, serving across various operational and administrative assignments that broadened his experience and strengthened his understanding of policing in Nigeria.
“A defining chapter in his professional life was his service in Lagos State Government House as Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor of Lagos State, at a time when His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was governor.
“It was during that period that our own professional paths intersected in a most memorable way. While IGP Egbetokun (rtd) served as CSO to the Governor, I had the honour of serving as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the same Governor. Working together under demanding circumstances, we shared the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of the Governor and the Government of Lagos State.
“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 IGP, and that I would have the honour of succeeding him in that office. It is indeed one of those remarkable coincidences of history that reminds us how the threads of service sometimes weave themselves across time in unexpected ways,” said Disu.
The IGP noted that Egbetokun assumed leadership of the police at a time when policing was undergoing significant transformation globally and locally.
“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.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Egbetokun has remained a firm believer in the power of knowledge and professional development. His academic accomplishments and participation in numerous professional courses both within and outside Nigeria speak to his lifelong commitment to learning and excellence.
“It is, therefore, not surprising that he stands today not only as a distinguished police officer but also as a respected scholar in the field of peace and security studies,” said Disu, assuring his former boss that he was leaving the service with honour, dignity and admiration of colleagues, as well as the gratitude of a nation he served faithfully.
“While he may be stepping away from the uniform, the legacy of his leadership and the impact of his service will continue to resonate within the Nigeria Police Force for many years to come,” the IGP stated.
In his valedictory speech, Egbetokun reflected on his tenure as IGP, stating that leadership of the police force required collective responsibility, professionalism, and institutional continuity.
He noted that the police force was an institution in constant service to the nation, urging Disu to take the force to the next level.
Highlighting key milestones of his administration, Egbetokun noted the strengthening of institutional processes and operational capacity to respond to contemporary security challenges; upgrading of the Intelligence Bureau to a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), and elevating the legal and medical units to directorate status for improved efficiency.
Others include expanding the Cyber Crime Centre to enhance nationwide investigations; establishing additional police mobile squadrons, area commands, and divisions to bring policing closer to communities; and creating the Special Intervention Squad, which recorded notable operational successes across the country.
Egbetokun also alluded to his infrastructural achievements, including the completion of police headquarters in Kano and Kaduna, the inauguration of modern facilities in Ogun and Adamawa states, and the Federal Government’s approval for police colleges to run academic programmes leading to national diplomas.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, the leadership of the National Assembly, sister security agencies, local and international partners, and his family for their support throughout his career.
“Though I may leave active duty, my respect, loyalty, and commitment to this great institution will remain unwavering. Service to the Nigeria Police Force is not merely a profession, but a lifelong calling,” he said.
The former IGP urged his successor to continue to advance the force and build on the reforms and achievements of his tenure.
Okiro eulogised Egbetokun for serving the country well, urging IGP Disu to complete projects embarked by him.
Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Argungu, urged the IGP to allow his actions to speak for him.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
