The Nigeria Police Force has conducted an official pull-out parade that marked the official and ceremonial termination of service of the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday
Speaking at the event, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has extolled his predecessor for setting the Police Force on the right footing by laying the foundation for professional policing .
IGP Disu also revealed that his path and that of Kayode Egebtokun crossed when they both worked for a former Governor and recalled with positive nostalgia that the former IGP displayed signs of leadership right from time, stressing that his ability to navigate tough terrains were as result of his commitment and dexterity in handling complex issues .
The maintained that the Police Force under his leadership would also tap from the knowledge of former IGPs and ensure that the integrity and professionalism of the personnel is not compromised at any time .
In his speech the outgoing IGP expressed gratitude to God and all the officers that made his tenure a success.
According to him: “I am filled with gratitude to Almighty God and with profound appreciation for the privilege of serving our great nation through this noble institution.
” At this moment, I must respectfully acknowledge the distinguished Inspectors-General of Police who served before me. Through their leadership, dedication and sacrifices, they laid the foundations upon which the Nigeria Police Force continues to evolve in response to the security needs of our nation. The office of the Inspector-General of Police represents not merely an individual tenure, but a continuum of service and responsibility passed from one leadership to another in the collective interest of the Force and the Nigerian people. Whatever progress was recorded during my tenure must therefore be seen as part of that continuing institutional journey.”
He charged officers that leadership of the Nigeria Police Force should never be the story of one individual, but the unfolding story of an institution in constant service to the nation.
” I wish to express my profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me to serve as Inspector-General of Police. 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 Nigeria Police Force in responding to contemporary security challenges. Our administration pursued reforms aimed at reinforcing professionalism, promoting merit-based advancement, strengthening intelligence-led policing, and expanding the operational capabilities of the Force.
“In furtherance of these objectives, the Intelligence Bureau was expanded and upgraded to the status of a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The Legal and Medical Units were also elevated to Directorate status to improve institutional efficiency and service delivery. Our Cybercrime Centre was further developed into a sophisticated facility capable of monitoring Nigeria’s cyberspace and supporting modern investigations.”
The immediate past IGP maintained that during his tenure, 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, stressing that operational presence was expanded through the establishment of additional Police Mobile Force Squadrons, the creation of new Area Commands and Divisions, and the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad which has recorded notable operational successes across the country.
“Community engagement and strategic partnerships were equally prioritized. Stronger collaboration with both local and international partners enhanced the global standing of the Nigeria Police Force and created new opportunities for officers, including international scholarships and specialized training programmes. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany and the United Arab Emirates provided valuable support to the Force during this period.”
He said,”significant progress was also made in improving police infrastructure. Barracks redesign and redevelopment projects initiated by previous administration under Public-Private Partnership arrangements were brought to completion in Kano and Kaduna while similar projects continue in Lagos. Construction of modern state command Police headquarters complexes were commissioned in Ogun and Adamawa States alongside other critical operational facilities across the country.
” In order to promote integrity and recognize excellence within the Force, the Annual Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony was instituted to motivate officers toward higher standards of professionalism and services. Other notable milestones during this period include: the Federal Government’s recognition of the 7th of April each year as National Police Day in honor of the dedication and sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. The passage of the Police Institutions Establishment Act which provides direct funding for police training institution. Presidential approval obtained for the comprehensive renovation of police training schools and colleges across the country. I am also pleased to announce here today that these achievements were made possible by the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force across all ranks and formations. I remain deeply grateful for your loyalty, courage and commitment to the service of our nation.”
