The 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, formally bowed out of service after 36 years in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at the occasion, the new IGP Olatunji Disu described the ceremony as a historic moment for the Force, noting that the occasion was a celebration of an officer whose career was defined by dedication, professionalism and exemplary leadership.
The IGP pointed out that Egbetokun, the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, left an enduring legacy in the Force following his retirement on February 25, 2026, after more than 36 years of service.
IGP Disu highlighted the former IGP’s professional journey, which began in March 1990 when he enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, noting that his rise through the ranks reflected discipline, foresight and operational excellence.
He recalled their shared service in the Lagos State Government House during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when the latter was Governor of Lagos State.
According to him, while Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer to the governor, he served as Aide-de-Camp, describing their eventual rise to the highest office in the police hierarchy as a remarkable twist of history.
The Police Chief noted that throughout his career, Egbetokun held several operational and administrative positions, including Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau, Commandant of the Police Training School in Ikeja, and Deputy Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja.
He also served as Commissioner of Police in various strategic formations, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit at Force Headquarters, the Kwara State Police Command and SERVICOM, before rising to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 and later Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Disu reiterated that the experiences prepared him for the enormous responsibility when he was appointed Inspector-General of Police in June 2023.
He added that Egbetokun’s tenure focused on strengthening professionalism, intelligence-driven policing, personnel development and public trust in the Force.
Speaking at the Pullout Parade organised in his honour at the Force Headquarters, FHQ, Abuja, on Thursday, the elated Egbetokun described the occasion as a defining moment in his life, declaring that his final salute in uniform marked the end of more than three decades of policing and public service.
The former IGP pointed out that leadership within the Nigeria Police Force is a continuous institutional journey rather than the accomplishment of a single individual.
According to him, “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.”
He expressed deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity and confidence placed in him to lead the force.
According to him, his administration focused on strengthening institutional processes, expanding operational capacity, and improving the ability of the police to respond to evolving security challenges across the country.
Egbetokun disclosed that during his tenure, monumental reforms were implemented to reinforce professionalism, promote merit-based advancement, and strengthen intelligence-led policing within the force.
He pointed out that the Police Intelligence Bureau was expanded and upgraded into a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, while the legal and medical units were elevated to directorate status to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
The former IGP also highlighted improvements in technological capacity, noting that the police cybercrime centre was transformed into a more advanced facility capable of monitoring Nigeria’s cyberspace and supporting modern investigations.
He added that the national criminal database was strengthened while officers across commands received professional training to boost investigative and operational capabilities.
Speaking on the operational presence of the police, he said, was expanded through the establishment of additional Police Mobile Force squadrons, alongside the creation of new area commands and divisions aimed at bringing policing closer to communities.
Egbetokun further added that his administration established the Special Intervention Squad, which he said had recorded notable operational successes nationwide.
On partnerships, he revealed that the force strengthened collaboration with international partners, opening new opportunities for officers through scholarships and specialised training programmes in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
He also highlighted infrastructural development within the force, including the completion and redevelopment of projects in Kano and Kaduna states, ongoing projects in Lagos, and the commissioning of modern police headquarters complexes in Ogun and Adamawa states.
Among other milestones achieved during his tenure, Egbetokun noted the federal government’s recognition of April 7 as National Police Day in honour of police officers and the passage of the Police Institutions and Establishments Act, which provides direct funding for police training institutions.
He thanked officers and men of the force for their loyalty, courage and dedication to national service, while also appreciating the Minister of Police Affairs, the National Assembly, sister security agencies and international partners for their cooperation.
He also formally handed over leadership of the force to his successor, the 23rd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and advised him to lead the institution to greater heights.
According to him, “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 also announced that the federal government had approved the introduction of academic and professional programmes leading to the award of National Diplomas in police colleges across the country.
The colourful ceremony marked the official end of Egbetokun’s distinguished policing career spanning over three and a half decades in the Nigeria Police Force.
In his remarks, a former IGP, Sir Mike Okiro, described Egbetokun as a super officer who did his best in the annals of the Nigeria Police Force and urged the new IGP to continue with the good legacies of Egbetokun.
The Ceremony was attended by Service Chiefs, retired and Serving Police officers, traditional Rulers, members of the National Assembly, Diplomatic communities and a host of others.