The Police Council has officially approved and confirmed the appointment of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who had been serving as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, as the substantive Inspector-General of Police. The announcement was made by the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, following a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Police Council, which comprises the president, governors, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), plays a crucial role in advising the president on the appointment of an Inspector-General of Police.
Minister Gaidam highlighted the importance of confirming Mr. Egbetokun as the substantive Inspector-General, acknowledging his extensive qualifications and dedication to the police force and national security. He stated, “He has attended several police and security courses and he is eminently qualified to be confirmed. I found him to be very qualified, very honest, very transparent, and very hardworking.”
The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, emphasized that this confirmation would enhance the Renewed Hope Police Agenda. She invited the public to actively participate in the ongoing police reform efforts.
Chairman of the PSC, former IGP Mr. Solomon Arase, not only affirmed Mr. Egbetokun’s confirmation but also expressed the need for comprehensive security sector reforms. He noted that these reforms should involve discussions with critical stakeholders and a thorough examination of internal security management.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State highlighted the importance of collaboration between the police and state governments, especially in light of the current security challenges faced by the country. He expressed confidence in Mr. Egbetokun’s understanding of the nation’s security issues and his commitment to addressing them.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State shared that during the meeting, the IGP emphasized the need for technology-driven and community-based policing, adequate budgetary provisions, and the review of police recruitment. A committee, led by the president and including the Minister of Police Affairs, Chairman of the PSC, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, has been established to consider these recommendations and ensure that police recruits are highly qualified.
Before his appointment as the substantive Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun had been serving as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and supervising DIG for the Southwest geopolitical zone. His career has been marked by a wide range of assignments and command positions within the Nigeria Police Force. Born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun, he joined the police force on March 3, 1990, and has undergone various police and security-related training courses.
Mr. Egbetokun has played key roles in his career, serving as the Chief Security Officer to President Bola Tinubu when he was elected governor of Lagos State. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, a Master of Science degree in Engineering Analysis, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics, and an MBA. These qualifications, combined with his extensive experience, make him well-suited to lead the Nigeria Police Force in its continued mission to enhance security and maintain law and order in the country.