The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday led tributes to his predecessor, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as the former police chief formally bowed out of service during a ceremonial Pulling-Out Parade held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The colourful ceremony marked the official end of Egbetokun’s distinguished policing career spanning over three and a half decades in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at the event, Disu described the ceremony as a historic moment for the Force, noting that the occasion was not merely a tradition but a celebration of an officer whose career was defined by dedication, professionalism and exemplary leadership.
He said Egbetokun, the 22nd Inspector-General of Police, left an enduring legacy in the Force following his retirement on February 25, 2026, after more than 36 years of service.
Disu highlighted the former IGP’s professional journey which began in March 1990 when he enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, noting that his rise through the ranks reflected discipline, foresight and operational excellence.
The current police chief recalled their shared service in the Lagos State Government House during the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu when the latter was Governor of Lagos State.
According to him, while Egbetokun served as Chief Security Officer to the governor, he served as Aide-de-Camp, describing their eventual rise to the highest office in the police hierarchy as a remarkable twist of history.
Disu noted that throughout his career, Egbetokun held several operational and administrative positions including Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau, Commandant of the Police Training School in Ikeja, and Deputy Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja.
He also served as Commissioner of Police in various strategic formations, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit at Force Headquarters, the Kwara State Police Command and SERVICOM, before rising to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 and later Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Disu said these experiences prepared him for the enormous responsibility when he was appointed Inspector-General of Police in June 2023.
He added that Egbetokun’s tenure focused on strengthening professionalism, intelligence-driven policing, personnel development and public trust in the Force.
In his farewell address, Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Police.
He emphasized that leadership of the Police is a continuum of service, noting that whatever progress recorded during his tenure formed part of the institutional growth of the Force.
Egbetokun listed key reforms undertaken during his administration to include the expansion of the Intelligence Bureau into a full department headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, the elevation of the Legal and Medical Units to directorate status, and the development of the Police Cybercrime Centre into a modern investigative facility.
He also highlighted improvements to the National Criminal Database, expansion of Police Mobile Force squadrons, creation of new Area Commands and divisions, and the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad to strengthen operational capacity.
According to him, the administration also prioritised community engagement and international cooperation, securing training opportunities and partnerships with countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
Egbetokun further noted that infrastructure development received attention with the completion of barracks redevelopment projects in Kano and Kaduna, ongoing projects in Lagos, and the commissioning of modern police command headquarters in Ogun and Adamawa states.
He also cited the institution of the Annual Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony and the federal government’s recognition of April 7 as National Police Day as part of efforts to motivate officers and recognise their sacrifices.
The retired police chief thanked officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and loyalty throughout his tenure and urged them to continue upholding the ideals of duty, sacrifice and honour.
Egbetokun also expressed confidence in his successor, Disu, urged him to continue building on the reforms and progress achieved in the Force.
The Pulling-Out Parade, a long-standing tradition in the Nigeria Police Force, symbolised the final ceremonial farewell for a retiring Inspector-General after decades of service to the nation.
