Tag: Kayode Egbetokun

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has cautioned police officers against deploying the newly acquired 59 armoured Toyota Hilux vehicles for ceremonial use, stressing that they are strictly for operational purposes.

Egbetokun gave the warning on Friday while commissioning the vehicles at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He emphasised that the vehicles must not be left idle, noting that they were specially designed to tackle insecurity across the country.

According to him, each Hilux is purpose-built for high-risk operations—armoured against hostile fire, equipped for mobility across diverse terrains, and designed for durability—providing tactical units with both protection and speed to dominate the field.

“These 59 armoured Toyota Hilux vehicles, commissioned today in Abuja, are evidence that this Force does not trade in promises — it delivers capacity,” the IGP said.

“The commissioning of these vehicles comes at a critical moment. Across the continent, Nigeria, not an exception, insecurity continues to evolve in complexity and intensity. The answer cannot be hesitation or half-measures; it must be readiness backed by resources. These assets represent our determination to move faster than the criminals, respond stronger than the threats, and assure citizens that their Police are not overwhelmed, but prepared.

“They are not ceremonial assets- they are operational reinforcements for missions that test the very resilience of our officers.

“Let me, however, state clearly that: equipment alone cannot guarantee results. It is the discipline, judgment, and courage of the officers who operate them and the support of the citizens that will transform these vehicles into instruments of security. The Hiluxes will provide the shield, but our officers must provide the integrity. Without that, machines are powerless.

“This commissioning is one element in a broader plan of reform. The Nigeria Police Force is undergoing deliberate restructuring to strengthen operations, enhance intelligence gathering, improve training, and enforce accountability at every level. These vehicles add mobility and protection to those reforms, but they are not the end of the journey – they are a reinforcement of it. More of these Hiluxes are coming in the days ahead. We will keep taking deliveries till we have enough to send to all the commands that are needed.

“To the commanders and tactical units who will take custody of these Hiluxes: accountability will be total. These vehicles must never sit idle while Nigerians face danger. They must never be diverted for private errands or misused in ways that diminish the integrity of this Force. They are operational assets, and they will be monitored as such

“From this day, the citizens of Nigeria will expect to see these vehicles on our roads, in our towns, and in our vulnerable communities. Their presence must translate directly into greater visibility, quicker response times, and improved safety outcomes. That is the standard we set, and that is the standard we will measure.

“To those who challenge law and order in our country, this commission sends a direct message. The Police Force now has stronger tools to match determination with capability. Criminal groups will no longer enjoy the advantage of mobility or surprise. These Hiluxes will carry our officers into contested spaces and return with results”.

He warned that every operation conducted with the vehicles must be lawful, proportionate, and decisive.

“Tactical advantage must never become an excuse for abuse. Officers must remember at all times that the legitimacy of the Nigeria Police Force rests not in force alone, but in professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

“We will judge ourselves not by the ceremony of today but by the results of tomorrow. Safer communities, lower crime rates, and restored confidence – that is the measure that matters. Nothing less will be acceptable.

“I must, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his leadership and support. This acquisition would not have been possible without his clear commitment to strengthening national security. Our duty, as a Force, is to justify that trust through discipline, professionalism, and results that Nigerians can feel in their daily lives”.

• •Enforcement to start October 2

Ahead of the October 2 nationwide enforcement of tinted glass permits, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh has warned officers not to see it as an avenue for extortion.

Jimoh told police personnel to avoid harassing motorists, warning that anyone caught would face disciplinary procedures, as provided for by the Police Act.

The police commissioner gave the warning at the command’s headquarters yesterday in Ikeja, following his lecture with officers and men of the command.

He stated that the warning was a directive from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun at the just-concluded strategic conference in Abuja.

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Jimoh said all officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command – from outposts, divisional level to the headquarters – had been admonished to respect the rights of citizens as the police go out to enforce the law.

The police commissioner urged the personnel to execute their duty diligently and refrain from extorting the citizens before, during, and after the exercise.

He added: “Enforcement should not be used as a means of extortion against members of the public. The portals have been open for several months now for Nigerians to access and register. After the registration, they are expected to come to the police command or any police formation for (data)  capturing.

“Members of the public should resist any temptation or pressure from anybody to pay money, whether within the police or outside, for tinted permits.

“Policemen have been lectured and they have been warned. Nothing is expected of us but the best.

“The IGP has directed that we emphasise this to all personnel, and that is what I have done,” he said.

Jimoh assured Lagos residents that his operatives would be in their best behaviour but urged the people to report any acts of unprofessionalism, especially demand for money, through available channels for prompt action.

…visits family

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, expressed shock over the death of former IGP, Solomon Arase.

Egbetokun described his death as a sad one.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said, “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply saddened to announce the passing of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and immediate Past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase (Rtd.), who died in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Solomon Osabohien Arase, on Sunday.

‎”IGP Solomon Arase, born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political Science. He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Phd in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.

‎”During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities, including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 – 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively. He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016.

“He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024. He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.

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“During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights. IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond. His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning for a man who served with pride and honour.

“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students”.

‎Egbetokun, while paying a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Abuja, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the late IGP Arase.

Egbetokun acknowledged the deep pain of the loss and prayed for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to Police reforms and National Security.

‎He said, “The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to addressing the plight of retired officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Speaking with the aggrieved former officers at the Force Headquarters on Monday, the IGP expressed empathy for their situation, stating that the issue of poor retirement benefits was a concern for serving officers as well.

He said: “We all feel concerned. We empathize with you because we are also going to retire. I have been engaging at the highest level to ensure that something is done to improve the condition of the poor pensioner.”

Egbetokun disclosed that he had just come from a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where the welfare of retired police officers was also discussed.

He said: “Even right now, I was just coming from a meeting with the NSA. The subject matter is the poor pension of retired officers. There are things that we need to do to ensure that your suffering in retirement is alleviated. 

“There are a number of things that we have done, steps that I have been taking, the details of which I would not like to disclose with the press present. But I just want to assure you that we empathize with you and we are not just folding our arms. We are doing a lot to ensure that something is done.”

He cautioned the retirees against being used by external actors with ulterior motives.

“Don’t allow the enemies of the police to use you. Be suspicious of those who pretend to be on your side. They may not mean well for you,” he warned.

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Addressing the demand for the police to exit the CPS, Egbetokun clarified his stance, insisting he is not opposed to the idea.

“I am not opposed to your exit from the CPS. I’m not opposed to it. If exiting from CPS will solve the problem, I will go for it. But if it is difficult for us to exit CPS, what else can we do? We have been agitating exit CPS, exit CPS. For the past 11 years, it has not worked,” he explained.

The IG also stressed that while past administrations have made efforts to pull the police out of the CPS, the process is beyond the powers of any individual Inspector-General.

“The agitation to exit the CPS has been on since 2014, 11 years ago. All previous IGs have tried their best to exit the police from the CPS. But exiting the CPS is beyond the power of any inspector general police.

“There are a lot of things that are involved. But what we’re interested in is ensuring that our retired officers live a good life after serving the country for 35 years. That is what we want.

“Even while in the CPS, this is what I have said that people have misconstrued. They have misinterpreted it that it is not until you exit the CPS before you can earn a good pension. Even with the CPS, we can improve the operation of that CPS and ensure that you are happy in retirement.

“There have been several efforts in the past to exit, and it’s not working. So as IG, I started thinking that we have to start looking for alternative ways of addressing the challenges. And it’s these alternative ways I’m working on that people are misinterpreting as I am opposing your exit from CPS.”

An engineer, Olufemi Fasehun, has urged Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to probe invasion and sealing of his property by the Monitoring Unit, of Zone 2, Onikan.

In a July 2 letter to the Complaint Response Unit, Fasehun, through his lawyers at Goldrush Partners, said the officers were led by a chief superintendent of Police (CSP).

He said the team unlawfully invaded his 10, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, property on June 4, 5, and 20.

He accused the team of trespass, unlawful arrest, illegal sealing of business premises (Paradox Restaurant), and disregard of due legal procedures under the guise of executing an interlocutory court order.

“Our client is the rightful owner of the property as evidenced by a registered deed of indenture, survey plan, and valid court judgment,” it said.

Fasehun said the CSP and his team arrested him and a tenant, sealed off the premises, and subjected them to dehumanising treatment.

The team allegedly acted on a contested interlocutory order in Suit ID/11239LMW/2021 (Olufemi Fasehun v. Cletus Nwagwu & Ors), which directed parties to maintain the status quo.

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Fasehun’s legal team insists he complied with the order and submitted an affidavit to that effect.

He said rather than follow proper contempt proceedings, the complainants allegedly manipulated the police into acting unilaterally against him.

The Monitoring Unit is accused of acting as agents of the complainants, disregarding Fasehun’s documentation and breaching civil court processes.

The police reportedly sealed off the property and adjoining restaurant business without any court order authorising such action.

Fasehun’s lawyers also alleged that the CSP threatened to arraign him in court on July 1 in an attempt to “satisfy the complainants,” despite the matter being sub-judice before Justice Oshoala of the Ikeja High Court.

“These actions have brought not just economic loss and psychological trauma to our client but have also undermined the integrity of the Nigerian legal system,” the petition noted.

“It is apparent that the Zonal Monitoring Unit officers have deviated from the lawful mandate of the Police Force.”

Calling for the IG’s immediate intervention, the petitioner called for a full-scale investigation into the alleged misconduct and demanded the protection of the constitutional rights of their client.

…as IGP charges newly posted CPs of professionalism, quality leadership

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of new Commissioners of Police to Borno, Cross River, Ondo, Osun, and Jigawa states.

Egbetokun charged the new commissioners to uphold the principles of professionalism and quality leadership towards ensuring their various states are rid of criminal elements who threaten national security.

According to a statment issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the posting, which takes immediate effect, is in furtherance of the IGP’s vision to ensure professional leadership in critical areas and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Force.

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The newly posted senior police officers include CP Naziru D. Abdulmajid, to Borno State Command; CP Bello Rasheed Afegbua, to Cross-River State Command; CP Dahiru Mohammed to Jigawa State Command; CP Adebowale Lawal to Ondo State Command; CP Ibrahim Gotan to Osun State Command; CP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo to the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, and CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin to the FCID Annex, Gombe State as CP General Investigation.

Adejobi said these strategic deployments are aimed at leveraging the vast wealth of Policing experience of the senior officers to drive effective policing and ensure the safety and security of citizens within their respective jurisdictions.

He said, “The IGP while reassuring members of the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure nation, has called for the continued support and collaboration of citizens in the collective fight against crime and criminality.”