In a momentous ceremony held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the nation witnessed the transition of power as Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, a revered figure with 35 years of exemplary service, retired from his position.
The baton of responsibility was gracefully passed to the newly appointed 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu.
Appointed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, IGP Egbetokun assumed his new role on June 21, 2023. The ceremony, filled with pomp and pageantry, culminated with the symbolic exchange of the Nigerian National and Police flags, marking the official commencement of his tenure.
Born and raised in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, IGP Egbetokun’s journey to this prestigious position can be traced back to his commissioning into the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990. Graduating as a member of the Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police Course 16 from the esteemed Nigeria Police Academy, he embarked on a remarkable career path fueled by his unwavering commitment to justice, security, and the rule of law.
With a distinguished academic background, IGP Egbetokun boasts an impressive array of qualifications. A Doctorate degree in Peace and Security Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics, a Masters in Business Administration, a Certification in Electronic Data Processing/Computer Programming, a Masters in Engineering Analysis, and a Bachelors in Mathematics form the bedrock of his extensive knowledge and expertise.
Throughout his illustrious career, IGP Egbetokun has held pivotal leadership positions, leaving an indelible mark on the various departments of the Force. Notable among these appointments are his tenures as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State, Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau, Commandant of the Police Training School in Ikeja, Commissioner of Police in the Explosive Ordnance Department, Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Abuja.
Prior to assuming the role of Ag. IGP, he served as the Deputy Inspector General of Police, overseeing the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
Stepping into his new role, IGP Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence placed in him. He recognized his appointment as a calling and a commitment to making a profound difference in the shared mission of safeguarding the lives and well-being of every citizen in the great nation of Nigeria.
With an unwavering focus on excellence, transparency, and accountability, the new IGP outlined his vision for the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership. Rebuilding public trust and restoring confidence in law enforcement institutions are paramount, ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe, protected, and respected.
Furthermore, he pledged to unlock the immense potential of the Nigeria Police Force, unveiling innovative tactics to secure the nation, foster lasting peace, and realize the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria.
As the sun sets on one chapter, a new dawn emerges, offering hope, determination, and the promise of a brighter future for Nigeria. With IGP Egbetokun at the helm, the nation stands poised to witness a transformation in law enforcement, an era where justice prevails and citizens thrive under the umbrella of a reinvigorated Nigeria Police Force.