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Tag: Egbetokun

  • Benue, Plateau killings: we’ve arrested 53 suspects, says Egbetokun

    Benue, Plateau killings: we’ve arrested 53 suspects, says Egbetokun

    • Manhunt ongoing to track down fleeing criminals

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has said the police have arrested 53 suspects in connection with the recent deadly attacks on Yelewata community in Benue and Plateau states.

    Dozens of people were killed, and several others were injured and displaced in the course of the attacks.

    Egbetokun, who addressed reporters yesterday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said 26 suspects were arrested for the attack in Yelewata, 22 others in connection with the Plateau incident, and five others in Benue State.

    The IGP said 47 persons were killed and 27 others were injured in the Yelewata attack, adding that two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles used in the attack were recovered.

    The arrests came about a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),

    Gen. Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest the killers of over 100 in the attacks on Yelewata community in Benue State.

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    President Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    The President asked the IGP why no arrests had been made over the incident.

    “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu said.

    He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

    Egbetokun said: “As we all recall, on June 13, two militias invaded the Yelewata community in the Manuka Province area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight. The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and properties of livelihoods.

    “It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community. In this senseless, barbaric attack, 47 persons were confirmed killed, 27 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, while hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.

    “The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including the deployment of tactical units and special forces to restore confidence in the affected community and neighboring communities.

    “Also, immediately deployed were detectives from our intelligence response team who swung into action, launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime. I am pleased to inform you here today that 26 persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.”

    Explaining how the suspects were arrested, Egbetokun said: “On June 19, two prime suspects who were masterminds of this attack were apprehended from their hideout. This arrest led to the arrest of seven other suspects the following day. They were picked up from their previous locations, where they had fled, hoping to evade justice.

    “On June 21, another key suspect, in whose house the pressure meeting to plan the attack was held, was also arrested. On June 22, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of 18 other suspects who directly took part in the killings. On June 23, our detectives recovered two general-purpose machine guns and eight AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.”

    The IGP said all 26 suspects arrested in connection with the Yelewata attack were in custody and had confessed to the crime.

    “As I speak, legal proceedings have been finalised and they will be arranged by a court without delay. We will go after anyone, planner or executor, who attacks any community in Nigeria,” he said.

  • IG inaugurates schools Protection Squad in Nasarawa 

    IG inaugurates schools Protection Squad in Nasarawa 

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated schools Protection squads in Nasarawa State to create a safer and more secure learning environment for students and teachers.

    Speaking at the stakeholders forum on the Security of Schools in Nasarawa  yesterday in Lafia, Egbetokun said the initiative was borne out of commitment toward ensuring the safety of students and educational institutions.

    Egbetokun directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the zones to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the safety of schools was guaranteed.

    Read Also: 2025 UTME result ranks best in 12 years despite glitches, says JAMB

    The IG, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 4, Makurdi, AIG Zachariah Achinyan, said training would be instituted for educators, administrators, and security personnel to leverage acquired skills to recognise and respond to security threats.

    “The safe schools are where a culture of safety for our students, teachers, staff, and our community at large is ensured.

    “We cannot overemphasise the importance of schools to the overall development of our dear nation, they are not only a sanctuary of knowledge but also a nurturing ground for our future leaders.

    “This means that the security of schools determines the security of our future, we will make use of modern technology and intelligent policing to ensure proactive law enforcement presence around our schools,” he said.

  • Egbetokun hosts Code of Conduct Bureau chair

    Egbetokun hosts Code of Conduct Bureau chair

    The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, welcomed Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and his team to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the meeting, attended by the Force Management Team and senior officers, focused on strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the CCB to promote ethics, transparency, and accountability in public service.

    Bello praised Egbetokun’s leadership and the NPF’s efforts in fostering professionalism, emphasising the need for better compliance and information sharing.

    Egbetokun reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to partnering with the CCB to enhance integrity and public trust, highlighting the importance of such collaborations for national development.

    The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today, Thursday, 22nd May 2025, received the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Fcca, alongside members of the Bureau’s Board and Directors at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit, which had in attendance the Force Management Team and other senior officers, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Code of Conduct Bureau in promoting ethics, transparency, and accountability in public service.

    Read Also: Egbetokun launches safe school strategy summit in Imo, urges collective action on security

    “In his remarks, the Chairman of the Bureau congratulated the IGP on his exemplary leadership and commended the strides recorded by the Nigeria Police Force under his watch in entrenching professionalism and ethical conduct. He noted that the visit was to forge closer synergy between both institutions, particularly through improved compliance and information sharing frameworks that align with the mandate of the Bureau.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, in his address, acknowledged the crucial role of the Code of Conduct Bureau in driving integrity and transparency in the public sector. He reiterated the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to collaborate with the Bureau in areas of mutual interest and assured him of the Force’s commitment to deepening professionalism and public trust through institutional accountability.

    “The Inspector-General of Police emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains open to meaningful partnerships that promote ethical conduct, and will continue to engage constructively with key institutions like the Code of Conduct Bureau in the overall interest of national development.”

  • Egbetokun launches safe school strategy summit in Imo, urges collective action on security

    Egbetokun launches safe school strategy summit in Imo, urges collective action on security

    Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched the National Safe School Strategy Summit in Imo State, calling for collective efforts to safeguard educational institutions across the country.

    The two-day summit, held on May 14 and 15, 2025, brought together stakeholders from law enforcement, education, and community leadership to strengthen security in schools, especially in areas prone to crime and instability.

    The initiative is part of a national framework developed by the Nigerian Police Force to address growing concerns over the safety of students, teachers, and school infrastructure. It aims to build a sustainable security system by integrating the roles of security agencies, educational authorities, traditional institutions, and local communities.

    Representing the IGP, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, emphasised the importance of grassroots involvement. He said host communities play a critical role as the first responders to threats such as abduction, cultism, and school violence.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Allocate more resources to equip, train law enforcement agencies, Egbetokun urges FG

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, commended the police initiative, stressing the urgent need to make schools safer. He expressed hope that the summit would lead to practical policies and collaborative strategies to prevent crime in and around schools.

    In his welcome address, Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reiterated the Command’s commitment to partnering with security agencies, school administrators, and traditional rulers to improve school safety. He assured that the state would ensure a secure learning environment for every student.

    Also speaking at the event, CP Abayomi Shogunle, National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad (SPS), gave an overview of the Safe School Initiative’s goals.

    He explained that the strategy is designed not just to close current security gaps but to foster long-term, community-led solutions that promote vigilance, quick response, and strong collaboration between schools and their surrounding communities.

  • Workers Day: IGP expresses renewed commitment to officers’ well-being

    Workers Day: IGP expresses renewed commitment to officers’ well-being

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, expressed commitment to officers’ well-being.

    Egbetokun said their resolve and dedication to duty are the bedrock of our nation’s stability.

    The IGP said the Force is dedicated to creating a workplace where the officers feel valued, respected, and empowered to serve the nation with integrity and pride.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force today join the nation in celebrating Workers’ Day, honouring the dedication and contributions of workers across all sectors towards national safety, unity and sustainable growth.

    “The Force extends its deepest appreciation to its officers and all working individuals who contribute to the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.

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    ‎”On this Workers’ Day, the IGP recognises the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our police officers, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

    ‎”The Nigeria Police Force is steadfast in its devotion to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where officers can thrive and reach their full potential.

    “As such, the Force reaffirms its dedication to prioritising the well-being of its officers through initiatives designed to improve their standard of living, working environment, and professional growth.

    ‎”The Nigeria Police Force wishes all workers a happy and restful Workers’ Day.”

  • Insecurity: Allocate more resources to equip, train law enforcement agencies, Egbetokun urges FG

    Insecurity: Allocate more resources to equip, train law enforcement agencies, Egbetokun urges FG

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has called for allocation of more resources to equip and train  law enforcement agencies.

    The IGP  also suggested  the implementation of inclusive community policing programmes to build trust and encourage collaboration, adding that effective policing is crucial for ensuring peace, security, and the overall well-being of Nigeria.

    The police chief said this in Ilorin, Kwara State at the maiden distinguished alumni public lecture of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) of Al-Himah University.

    Egbetokun said that all stakeholders have critical roles to play in achieving a secure environment.

    He stressed the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, which include police, government institutions,  community leaders, civil society organisations and the media to ensure a holistic approach to policing.

    He said that active participation of the public, traditional and religious institutions and the media in crime prevention and reporting can create a more robust security framework.

    Read Also: Egbetokun commissions new Adamawa police headquarters

    “Nigeria can achieve lasting peace and stability, improving the overall safety and quality of life for its citizens,  by addressing the challenges impending effective policing.

    “Ultimately,  a reformed and empowered police force, backed by a supportive network of stakeholders,  can contribute to building a more secure and just society for all Nigerians.

    “However, we recognise that overcoming our challenges requires comprehensive reforms, increased funding, the adoption of modern policing techniques to enhance the capabilities of the police and foster greater public trust and mobilising public support for the police,” he said.

    The IGP, an alumnus of Al-Hikmah University,  recommended that the police should be removed from the envelope budget system which restricts the police to funding only ongoing projects.

    He called for prioritising of continuous training, especially in areas like cybercrime and human rights to improve police effectiveness.

    The police boss called for the decentralisation of the force to allow state to operate state-level police department with clearly defined roles and oversight mechanisms.

    Earlier the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf said the topic of the lecture was carefully selected and would go a long way to highlight collaborative efforts among stakeholders in intelligence gathering and effective policing to ensure a crime-free, peaceful and prosperous society.

  • Egbetokun commissions new Adamawa police headquarters

    Egbetokun commissions new Adamawa police headquarters

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has inaugurated a new ultramodern office of the Adamawa State Police Command headquarters.

    A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the commissioning of the building was held on Thursday during the IGP’s official tour of Adamawa Police Command.

    Egbetokun also visited Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Lamido of Adamawa, His Highness, Dr. Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha.

    Fintiri commended Egbetokun for his relentless efforts in safeguarding lives and property, noting the significant impact the Nigeria Police Force is making in maintaining peace and stability in the state and the nation at large.

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    The governor called for the establishment of an additional Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) Base and the reopening of the Police Training School in Mbaba, Yola South Local Government Area in the state.

    He also emphasised that these measures would enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats, particularly insurgency and banditry, which have posed serious challenges to the region.

    Responding, ‘’IGP Egbetokun assured the governor and the good people of Adamawa State of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to proactive policing, community partnership, and intelligence-driven security strategies, noting that the request for an additional CTU Base and the reopening of the Police Training School would be given due consideration in line with the strategic security and training framework of the Force,’’ the statement said.

  • Major shakeup as IGP orders posting of seven AIGs, eighteen CPs

    Major shakeup as IGP orders posting of seven AIGs, eighteen CPs

    The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate posting of 7 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to various strategic offices.

    Egbetokun also directed the posting of 18 Commissioners of Police (CPs) due for AIG ranks, pending the approval from the Police Service Commission (PSC), to AIG offices nationwide.

    The IGP said the comprehensive redeployment of senior officers is geared at effectively repositioning the force with a view to discharging its duties as expected. 

    The newly posted AIGs include AIG Margaret Ochalla, now heading AIG, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Lagos; AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, assigned to AIG Zone 13, Ukpo; AIG Fred Ekokotu, who will oversee AIG Zone 11, Osogbo; AIG Iwo Nemi Edwin Osigboka, now in charge of AIG Border Patrol Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    Others are AIG Garba Ahmed, taking on the role of AIG Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Salman Dogo, assigned to AIG Zone 5, Benin; and AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, now in charge of AIG Zone 9, Umuahia. 

    According to the statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, concurrently, 18 CPs acting in the capacity of AIGs, pending the approval of the Police Service Commission (PSC), have also been posted to various strategic offices.

    Adejobi said: “CP Patrick Adedeji Atayero has been posted to Commandant, Police Academy, Kano; CP Tolani Alausa to AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa; CP Musibau Ajani to AIG Zone 17, Akure; CP Mobolaji Victor Olaiya to AIG DICT, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Laolu Adegbite, to AIG Interpol, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Clement Robert to AIG Community Policing, Research & Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Gyongon Augustine Grimah to AIG Zone 10, Sokoto; CP Thomas Abraham Nabhon to AIG ONSA; CP Musa Auwal Mohammed to AIG Zone 3, Yola; CP Mohammed Shehu Dalijan to AIG CTU, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    “CP Olatunji Disu to AIG Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu to AIG Zone 12, Bauchi; CP Fasuba Akinyele to AIG Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Musa Kareem to AIG Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos; CP Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere to AIG FCID Annex, Enugu; CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa to AIG Zone 14, Katsina; CP Godwin I. Eze to AIG DFA, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and CP Abel J. Zwalchir Miri to AIG Communications, Force Headquarters, Abuja”.

    The Force spokesman said the IGP has charged all officers affected by the strategic postings to embrace their new responsibilities with utmost dedication and justify their confidence through exemplary service.

    He said the IGP urged the new senior officers to ensure strict supervision and diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encouraged them to key into the ongoing police reform.

    Adejobi said: “These deployments are integral to the ongoing revitalization of the Nigeria Police Force, and the IGP is confident that they will contribute significantly to enhanced security and improved service delivery across the nation”.

  • Alleged missing firearms: Egbetokun writes Senate, seeks closed-door investigative sessions

    Alleged missing firearms: Egbetokun writes Senate, seeks closed-door investigative sessions

    The  Inspector-General of Police,  Kayode Egbetokun, has written to the Senate on the alleged 3,907 missing AK47 rifles as contained in the 2019 Audit report by the office of Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF).

    Egbetokun, in the letter read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, called for subsequent investigative hearing on the matter to be held  behind closed door because of their security implications.

    The IGP, who was at the public hearing on Tuesday conducted by the Senate Public Accounts Committee  but asked to be excused to attend to other pressing national issues, faulted the report of the AuGF saying it is “rooted in inaccuracies.”

    The IGP said he was disappointed and shocked at the way the police were treated during the course of the hearing by the Senate panel, especially in the full glare of the public and the eyes of international community.

    He however pleaded for time to enable the Police carry out a thorough investigation of its own on the matter, even as he called on the leadership of the Senate to keep such future engagements behind closed door and be a lot more discreet when dealing with issues of national security.

    Read Also: IGP Egbetokun criticises contributory pension scheme, calls for reform

    The letter reads: “We appreciate the Senate Committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impression will not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.

    “This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.”

    The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly and working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.

    On his part, Senator Akpabio said that the IGP’s letter was very clear, just as he said  that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.

    Senate Deputy Whip, Onyechachi Nwebonyi (APC – Ebonyi North) who on Tuesday presided over the Senate Public Accounts Committee as Vice Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, had asked the Police to return next Monday with a better explanation about the alleged missing firearms.

    His attempt to comment on Egbetokun’s letter or to defend the action of the committee was not granted  by the President of the Senate.

  • Police Act amendment legalises Egbetokun’s stay in office, says Ozekhome

    Police Act amendment legalises Egbetokun’s stay in office, says Ozekhome

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has said the amendment to the Police Act 2020 validates Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office as the Inspector-General of police (IGP).

    In a legal opinion, Ozekhome said the Police Act 2020 is the only extant law governing Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure of office.

    Egbetokun’s tenure as the IGP has sparked controversy on whether or not the police boss should have retired after clocking 60 years in last September.

    But the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had said Egbetokun’s continuing in office is lawful.

    Fagbemi explained that the IGP’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, remains valid for four years.

    The AGF had said since the amendment of the Police Act by the National Assembly in 2024, the IGP would stay in office for four years “notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years”.

    The civil service rules stipulate that civil servants should retire at the age of 60 years or after attaining 35 years of service.

    Reacting to the controversy, Ozekhome said the legality of Egbetokun’s tenure is now governed by the amended Police Act.

    The senior advocate said until a judicial pronouncement is made on the legality of the amended Act, the continuous stay of Egbetokun remains legal.

    He added that since the 1999 Constitution (as amended) did not stipulate the duration of the tenure of an IGP, the Police Act prevails.

    Ozekhome added: “For the avoidance of doubt, IGP Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is legal and is in line with the provisions of the constitution and the Police Act, as amended in 2024, which allows the occupant of the office (Egbetokun) to enjoy a term of four years certain effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, October 31, 2023.

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    “This advisory is necessary for the kind guidance of the general public and stakeholders.

    “Meanwhile, I believe it would have been much better and contextual if the AGF had put forward this sole ground of the amendment to the Police Act as being enough justification for an extension to the tenure of Kayode Egbetokun as IGP, without more.

    “My take on this debate, therefore, is that the Police Act, 2020 (as amended in 2024), is the only extant law governing Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure of office.

    “It remains so until it is successfully challenged and a judicial interpretation upturns it.

    “The entire Act or its provisions, including amendments as enacted by the National Assembly, remain constitutional, legal, and valid for all time until pronounced otherwise by the courts.

    “I have read with calmness and deep research the argument that an extension of IGP’s tenure can only be done through the Constitution.

    “No. Rather, any fault inherent in the Police Act (as amended), if there be any, can only be set aside by a competent court of law.

    “It is, therefore, not correct to argue that any alteration to the IGP’s tenure can only be made through an amendment of the 1999 Constitution.”