The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid tribute to his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, praising his career in the Nigeria Police Force as one defined by professionalism, dedication, and strong leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Disu made the remarks at a pulling-out ceremony held in honour of the retired police chief at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Reflecting on their early professional relationship, Disu recounted how they first worked together in Lagos State under then-Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria. At the time, Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer to the governor, while Disu was his Aide-de-Camp.

He said, “A defining chapter in his professional life was his service in Lagos State Government House as Chief Security Officer to the Governor. It was during that period that our professional paths intersected in a most memorable way. Together, we shared the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of the Governor and the Lagos State Government.”

Disu noted that neither of them could have imagined that Egbetokun would later become the Inspector-General of Police, and that he would eventually succeed him in the office. “It is one of those remarkable coincidences of history that remind us how the threads of service sometimes weave themselves across time in unexpected ways,” he added.

Highlighting Egbetokun’s career, Disu noted his steady rise through the ranks, holding operational, command, and training roles nationwide. He commanded the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, led Police Mobile Force operations, and served as Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau. He also contributed significantly to police training, serving as Commandant of the Police Training School in Ikeja and later as Deputy Commandant of the Police College in the same city.

Disu emphasized that Egbetokun’s tenure as IGP was guided by a vision to create a professional, service-oriented, and people-friendly police force. His reforms focused on improving operational efficiency, enhancing professionalism, strengthening public trust, and advancing intelligence-led policing. Disu added that Egbetokun’s leadership, marked by calmness, intellectual depth, and strategic foresight, helped the force tackle complex security challenges.

Former IGP Outlines Reforms
In his speech, Egbetokun highlighted several reforms during his tenure. He emphasized professionalism, merit-based promotion, and intelligence-led policing. The Intelligence Bureau was expanded into a full department led by a Deputy Inspector-General, while the Legal and Medical units were upgraded to directorate status.

The police cybercrime centre was transformed into a sophisticated facility capable of monitoring Nigeria’s cyberspace and supporting modern investigations. Investigative capacity was enhanced through improvements to the National Criminal Database and expanded professional training across commands.

Egbetokun also oversaw the expansion of operational presence, establishing additional Police Mobile Force squadrons, new Area Commands, and Divisions. The Special Intervention Squad recorded notable successes nationwide. He further highlighted infrastructure improvements, including barracks redevelopment in Kano and Kaduna, and the commissioning of modern state command headquarters in Ogun and Adamawa states.

Appointed Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, Egbetokun resigned on February 24, 2026, paving the way for Disu’s appointment. His extended tenure had previously sparked controversy in 2024 after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, but amendments to the Police Act allowed him to continue in office.