Leading Nigeria Police Force, My Highest Professional Privilege – Egbetokun

The immediate past Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, said his opportunity to lead the Nigeria Police Force was the highest privilege in his professional life.

Egbetokun said this on Thursday in Abuja during a pullout parade organised in his honour.

He said the office of the I-G was of a continual service and responsibility passed from one leadership to another in the collective interest of the force and the Nigerian people.

According to him, leadership of the Nigerian Police Force is never the story of one individual, but the unfolding story of an institution in constant service to the nation.

”The opportunity to lead this great institution remains one of the highest privileges of my professional life.

”During my tenure, deliberate efforts were made to strengthen institutional processes and enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Police Force in responding to contemporary security challenges.

”Our administration pursued reforms aimed at reinforcing professionalism, promoting meritocracy, promoting merit-based advancement, strengthening intelligence-led policing, and expanding the operational capabilities of the Nigerian police force.

”In furtherance of these objectives, the Intelligence Bureau was expanded and upgraded to the status of a full department, now headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police.”

Egbetokun said that the Legal and Medical Units were also elevated to directory status to improve institutional efficiency and service delivery.

He said the Nigeria Police National Cyber Crime Centre was further developed into a sophisticated facility capable of monitoring Nigerian cyberspace and supporting modern investigations.

According to him, investigative and operational capacity was further strengthened through improvements to the national criminal database and the professional training of operators across commands up to the divisional level.

He said the Nigeria Police Force operational presence was expanded through the establishment of additional police mobile force squadrons.

”We also, created new Area Commands and Divisions to bring policing closer to the people. We established the Special Intervention Squad, which has continued to record notable operational successes across the country.

“Community engagement and strategic partnerships were equally prioritised. Stronger collaboration with both local and international partners enhanced the global standing of the Nigerian Police Force and created new opportunities for officers, including international scholarships and specialised training programme,” he said.

The former I-G said countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and others provided valuable support during his tenure.

In his remark, the incumbent I-G, Mr Olatunji Disu said the pullout parade was a significant day in the history of the Nigerian Police Force.

He said the event was not a ceremonial tradition, but to celebrate the remarkable career and enduring legacies of the former I-G.

Disu said Egbetokun was an officer whose service to the nation and the Nigeria Police Force was defined by dedication, professionalism, and exemplary leadership.

‘This pulling out parade in honour of the 22nd I-G, marks the formal conclusion of a distinguished policing career spanning over three and a half decades.

”His retirement on Feb. 25 brings to a close, a professional journey that has left an indelible imprint on the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.

He added that Egbetokun had retired and distinguished himself, not only as a dedicated police officer but also as an accomplished scholar and strategist. (NAN)