The newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, describing his service in the Nigeria Police Force as defined by professionalism, dedication, and strategic leadership.

Disu made the remarks on Thursday during the official pulling-out ceremony organized in honor of the retired police chief at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The event marked the formal conclusion of Egbetokun’s tenure and provided an opportunity for the new police chief to reflect on his professional history and the leadership path that ultimately led to his emergence as the country’s top law enforcement officer.

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During his address, Disu spoke about the early stages of his professional relationship with Egbetokun, which began during their time serving in Lagos State.

At the time, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was serving as governor of Lagos State, and both officers were assigned key security roles within the state government.

According to Disu, Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer to the governor while he held the position of Aide-de-Camp to the same administration.

The new IGP noted that their collaboration at the Lagos State Government House involved intense security responsibilities, as they worked together to ensure the safety of the governor and the state government.

He described the experience as a defining period that laid the foundation for their professional relationship and leadership development within the police force.

Reflecting on that period, Disu said neither officer could have predicted that their careers would eventually lead them to the highest office within the Nigeria Police Force.

“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 honor of succeeding him in that office,” Disu said.

He described the development as one of those rare historical coincidences where years of public service and professional dedication intersect unexpectedly.

Tribute to Egbetokun’s Career and Reforms

Disu also highlighted the extensive career record of Egbetokun, noting that the retired police chief rose steadily through the ranks while serving in several operational, command, and training capacities across the country.

Among the roles mentioned were his leadership of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, operations within the Police Mobile Force, and his appointments as Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau.

The new IGP also commended Egbetokun’s contributions to police training and development, including his service as Commandant of the Police Training School in Ikeja and later as Deputy Commandant of the Police College in the same city.

According to Disu, Egbetokun’s leadership philosophy focused on building a professional, service-driven, and people-oriented police institution.

He noted that the former IGP introduced reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, professionalism, and public confidence in the police.

Key initiatives during Egbetokun’s tenure included the promotion of intelligence-led policing, enhanced training programmes, and the reinforcement of institutional values such as discipline, accountability, and service.

Disu also described Egbetokun’s leadership style as calm, strategic, and intellectually driven, qualities he said helped the police force navigate complex security challenges during his administration.

Former IGP Outlines Achievements

In his own remarks at the ceremony, Egbetokun reviewed the major reforms and institutional developments implemented during his time as the nation’s police chief.

He stated that his administration prioritized professionalism, merit-based promotions, and the strengthening of intelligence-driven policing strategies.

Among the structural changes introduced was the expansion of the Intelligence Bureau into a full department led by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The Legal and medical units were also upgraded to directorate status.

Egbetokun added that the police cybercrime centre was transformed into a more advanced facility capable of monitoring Nigeria’s cyberspace and supporting modern investigative processes.

He further noted improvements to the National Criminal Database and the expansion of professional training programmes across commands and divisions nationwide.

Operational capacity was also strengthened with the creation of additional Police Mobile Force squadrons, new Area Commands, and divisions.

The former police chief also highlighted infrastructure projects completed during his tenure, including barracks redevelopment in Kano and Kaduna as well as new command headquarters in Ogun and Adamawa states.

Egbetokun was appointed Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. He later resigned on February 24, paving the way for Disu’s appointment as the new police chief.

His tenure had earlier generated public debate in 2024 after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4. However, his stay in office was extended following amendments to the Police Act.