Analyst Reviews Achievements of Nigeria's 22nd IGP Kayode Egbetokun
Public affairs analyst Abdullah Adepoju has provided a comprehensive assessment of the achievements of Nigeria's 22nd Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following the controversies that surrounded his departure from office. In a statement released on Friday, March 6, Adepoju emphasized that few public offices in Nigeria face as much pressure, scrutiny, and expectation as that of the IGP.
Challenges and Reforms Under Egbetokun's Leadership
Adepoju noted that when Egbetokun assumed office in June 2023, Nigeria was grappling with severe security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks spreading across multiple regions. He stepped into one of the most demanding security environments in the country's recent history. Despite this, Egbetokun's tenure was defined by a central ambition to reform the Nigeria Police Force while simultaneously confronting immediate security threats.
According to Adepoju, Egbetokun introduced numerous reforms to address chronic issues within the force, such as underfunding, manpower shortages, welfare deficits, and outdated infrastructure. His administration implemented structural adjustments aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving welfare, and modernizing policing systems.
Operational Policing and Institutional Upgrades
Adepoju highlighted that Egbetokun intensified operational policing, leading to the arrest of tens of thousands of criminal suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of large caches of illegal firearms and ammunition. These successes occurred in an environment where criminal networks exploit Nigeria's porous borders and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
In response, the Nigeria Police Force adopted a stronger emphasis on intelligence-led policing, relying on strategic intelligence gathering and coordinated operations rather than purely reactive deployments. One of the most notable institutional reforms was the strengthening of legal and investigative capacity, including upgrading the Police Legal Department to a full Directorate and introducing merit-based entry requirements in the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Specialized Units and Technological Advancements
Adepoju further stated that Egbetokun introduced specialized policing structures to respond more effectively to emerging threats. Key initiatives included the creation of the Special Intervention Squad, an elite operational unit for high-risk situations, and the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad to safeguard educational institutions.
Egbetokun's administration also prioritized digital transformation, introducing technology-driven systems to improve public access to emergency services, such as digital reporting platforms and automated service delivery systems. The National Cybercrime Centre was strengthened, recovering significant financial assets from cybercriminal networks and returning them to victims.
Welfare and Gender Inclusivity Efforts
Beyond crime fighting, Adepoju said Egbetokun consistently emphasized police welfare, pursuing large-scale rehabilitation of police barracks, introducing a housing reform framework, and upgrading medical services. Additionally, his tenure saw an emphasis on gender inclusivity, with expanded gender-based violence desks across police divisions and female officers reaching new leadership milestones.
Long-Term Impact and Future Outlook
Adepoju concluded that while critics often expect immediate change, reforming a large national institution like the Nigeria Police Force is a long and complex process. Some initiatives introduced during Egbetokun's leadership will require years of sustained effort to fully mature, as security challenges are intertwined with socio-economic conditions and governance structures.
In a related development, retired Major Muhammadu Bashir Galma has advised the new IGP, Tunji Disu, to prioritize rebuilding public trust, addressing allegations of misconduct and rights violations that have eroded confidence in the force.
