Egbetokun Takes Over as 22nd IG

* Pledges to emplace intelligence-led policing, run transparent, accountable leadership 

* To pay constables’ salary arrears in one month

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IG), Olukayode Egbetokun, Wednesday assumed duty as the 22nd IG.

Egbetokun, who was appointed the chief law enforcement officer of the federation by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, was handed over the mantle of leadership by his predecessor, Usman Ali Baba.

He pledged to emplace intelligence-led policing and run a transparent and accountable leadership.

The new police helmsman also pledged to offset six months salary arrears owed police constables within one month.

The handing and taking over of leadership between the former and new police chief was held in a brief but colourful ceremony at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. 

The event climaxed with the symbolic handover of the Nigerian national and police flags.

Egbetokun thanked President Tinubu  “for the confidence reposed in him”, stressing that the appointment “is a commitment, a calling to make a difference in the shared mission to safeguard the lives and well-being of everyone that lives in our great country”.

“I thank Mr President for my appointment and confidence reposed in me to pilot the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We will work with the rank and file. Together, we will build a police force the nation will be proud of.

“Accountability will be the hallmark of my administration,” he said.

“I will work to regain the confidence of Nigerians in our internal investigative system and ensure the highest standards of professionalism.

“I will sustain and review some aspects of community policing and emplace intelligence-led policing. NPF under my leadership will strive for transparency and accountability,” he stated.

He assured Nigerians that the police under his leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency and accountability in order to rebuild public trust, restore confidence “in our law enforcement institutions, and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, protected, and respected”. 

According to him, his administration will unveil new tactics to release the great capacity of the Nigeria Police to secure the nation, build lasting peace and deliver on the vision of the president for a thriving and prosperous Nigeria.

Egbetokun has held several strategic positions in the past cutting across all the departments of the Force. 

These include Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Command; Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State and Gusau, Zamfara State; Commandant, Police Training School Ikeja; Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Department; Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command; and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Abuja, among other postings. 

Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).