President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), replacing Usman Baba, who was previously appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021. He is the 13th to occupy this seat since 1999.
(Insert Chart: Nigerian Inspector Generals of Police since 1999)
Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, hails from the Egbado South (now Yewa South) Local Government Area of Ogun State. His career in the Nigeria Police Force began on March 3, 1990, when he joined as a Cadet ASP (Course 16).
Egbetokun’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (ED) with Honors and a Master’s degree in Engineering Analysis, both from the University of Lagos. He also holds certifications in Electronic Data Processing and Computer Programming, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from Lagos State University.
Also, he has a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Throughout his career, Egbetokun participated in numerous courses and conferences to enhance his skills and knowledge. Notable training programs include the Close Protection Course in the United Kingdom, Squadron Commander Combat Ops Course at PMF Training College (Desert Camp Gwoza and Forest Camp Ila), Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College in Jos, and Strategic Leadership Course at the same institution.
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In 2018, he attended the Global Conference on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats held in Lyon, France.
Egbetokun is a member of the Society for Peace and Security Practice and a distinguished scholar in Peace and Security Studies.
He has served in various positions within the police, including Chief Security Officer to the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2005, Commander of the RRS Lagos State Command from 2005 to 2007, and Area Commander in Osogbo, Osun State, and Gusau, Zamfara State.
The new police chief has also held roles such as the Commandant of the Police Training School (PTS) in Ikeja, Lagos State, and the Deputy Commandant of the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Furthermore, he has held positions as Commissioner of Police in various commands, such as Servicom Force Headquarters Abuja, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Force Headquarters, Kwara State Command, and Admin Medical Faloma Lagos State.
Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) at Zone 7 Headquarters in Abuja and as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Egbetokun enjoys reading and playing Table Tennis and recreational football. He is an avid supporter of Chelsea in the English Premier League and the European Champions League. He is happily married and has children.
Duties of the Nigerian IGP
Section 215 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that “There shall be – (a) an Inspector-General of Police who, subject to section 216(2) of this Constitution shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.” Their primary duty is to maintain law and order across the country; protecting people, preventing and detecting crime, and safeguarding lives and property.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) is the highest-ranking officer in the Nigeria Police Force and has important constitutional responsibilities. The IGP sets the direction for the police force and ensures that policies and measures are in place to achieve these objectives.
Another crucial duty is to provide leadership and guidance to the police force. They supervise and coordinate the activities of all police officers and units nationwide. This includes deploying personnel to areas with higher security needs, addressing challenges, and ensuring that law enforcement is conducted professionally and in compliance with the law.
IGPs plays a vital role in promoting discipline, accountability, and professionalism within the police force.
The IGP collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and government bodies to maintain security. This involves close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, Nigerian Armed Forces, and other relevant agencies to tackle security challenges and uphold peace.
The lead policeman represents the police force in national security meetings, advises the government on security matters, and works with international law enforcement agencies when required. Effective communication, coordination, and collaboration with stakeholders are essential for the IGP to fulfil their constitutional duties and ensure the safety and security of the nation.
