Story by Iyiola Ayomide
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter.
Exactly two years ago, the Presidency, through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as the acting Inspector-General of Police.
I want to briefly discuss his journey in the Nigeria Police Force for the benefit of those who have not been following his exceptional performances and successes in the force.
IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun was born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South local government area of Ogun State, and he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Egbetokun’s career achievements are numerous and impactful. Notably, he has served in the following capacities before his prestigious appointment as the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Chief Security Officer to Lagos State Governor; Commander, Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Lagos State Police Command where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives aimed at curbing crime and fostering community engagement. Officer in Charge of Anti-Fraud Section, FCT Police Command, Abuja; Chief Superintendent of Police (Admin), Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja; Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State Police Command; Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara State Police Command; Commandant, Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos; Deputy Commandant, Police College Ikeja, Lagos; Commissioner of Police, SERVICOM, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin; Commissioner of Police, Medical Admin, Falomo, Lagos State; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, FCT; and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
It is pertinent to note that Egbetokun has attended several professional courses both home and abroad including: Cadet Officers Course 16, 1990 at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; Strategic Leadership and Effective Security/Safety Management Course at Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos; Squadron Commander Course, PMF Training College, Gwoza, Borno State; Combat Operation Course, PMF Training College, Ila Orangun, Osun State; Advance Detective Course (ADC), Police Staff College, Jos; Intermediate Command Course (ICC), Police Staff College, Jos; Strategic Leadership & Command Course (SLCC), Squadron Commander/Combat Operations Course, PMF Training College (Desert Camp Gwoza, Forest Camp Ila); Global Conference on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, Lyon France, among others.
Recognising Egbetokun’s outstanding track record and transformative leadership qualities, he was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His appointment was met with resounding approval breeze of hope and calmness in the policing environment, as he brings a fresh perspective and a determination to revolutionise the Nigeria Police Force.
Since he was appointed the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun has had his hands full.
At home, on the streets, at work, in commercial establishments, and both the public and private sectors, the security crisis is undeniably one of the most significant issues facing our country.
In confronting the worsening security situation in the country, Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, on 17th January 2024, inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad.
IGP Egbetokun, while presenting the SIS, said that public safety is a collaborative endeavour, and law enforcement and security of lives and property to place order in any society is no light task.
Egbetokun added that the forces of good are consistently being confronted by the forces of evil, under various guises, but the Nigerian police are undaunted.