The Louis Edet House, Abuja, which is headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, on Thursday, March 12, got a gathering of dignitaries Nigeria who came to honour the erstwhile Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, at a ceremonial pullout parade, marking the formal conclusion of his distinguished policing career spanning over three and a half decades.
The colourful parade had the police band and policemen wearing ceremonial guards of honour uniform who put on a display that drew applause from the gathering.
It will be noted that Egbetokun retired from active duty on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after 36 years of dedicated service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, citing the need to attend to family matters as the cause.
In his remarks, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the ceremony as a significant moment for the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the career of the retired IGP was defined by dedication, professionalism, and exemplary leadership.
He highlighted the former IGP’s contributions to strengthening operational efficiency, promoting intelligence-led policing, enhancing professionalism, and reinforcing the institutional values of discipline, accountability, and service within the Force.
On behalf of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, IGP Disu appreciated the retired IGP’s outstanding service and invaluable contributions to policing in Nigeria.
In his farewell address, the retired IGP Egbetokun, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation through the Nigeria Police Force for 36 years.
Reflecting on his tenure, he noted that deliberate efforts were made to strengthen institutional processes, expand operational capabilities, and enhance professionalism across the Force.
Key initiatives included the expansion of the Intelligence Bureau to a full department, the elevation of the legal and medical units to Directorate status, the development of the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Centre, improvements to the National Criminal Database, and the establishment of additional Police Mobile Force Squadrons, Area Commands, and the Special Intervention Squad.
There was a cultural group display by singers from the retired IGP’s background in Yewa, Ogun State, which added pep to the event.
The final ceremonial pullout was carried out by Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Assistant Inspectors General of Police who led the retired IGP Egbetokun out of parade ground while he waved at the people gathered.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr. Abubakar Yellman, represented by Hon. Kama Nkemkanma; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi; the Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd); former Inspectors-General of Police including IGP Mike Okiro (Rtd) and IGP Ogbonna Onovo (Rtd); heads and representatives of sister security agencies; and traditional rulers, led by the paramount ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.
