By Adedapo Adesanya
The acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has assumed office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
His arrival comes a day after he was decorated by the Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima.
However, he noted that much still needs to be done.
On his part, the acting IGP said he is aware of the enormous responsibility that accompanies his appointment.
He appealed for cooperation and teamwork, promising to run a transparent and integrity-driven regime.
Stressing the importance of community policing as one policy thrust of his administration, he revealed plans to strengthen the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the force.
He also hopes to build a stronger inter-agency collaboration and deepen the technology approach to guaranteeing internal security.
Mr Egbetokun appealed to Nigerians to support the police in the fight against criminal activities.
In his farewell speech, the former IGP, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, said that he led a team that made a notable impact on internal security.
He noted that he is optimistic that he is leaving a more improved force behind.
Born on September 4, 1964, in the Egbado South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mr Egbetokun enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet ASP (Course 16) on March 3, 1990.
He possesses a BSc (ED) (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Lagos and has an MSc in Engineering Analysis and certification in Electronic Data Processing and Computer Programming, all from the University of Lagos.
He has a Masters in Business Administration from the Lagos State University, PGD in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University and PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
He has worked in various commands, formations and departments of the police, including as Chief Security Officer to the Governor of Lagos State and now President, Mr Bola Tinubu, from 1999-2005, Commander RRS Lagos State Command 2005-2007, O/C Anti – Fraud, FCT Command Abuja, CSP Admin, Lagos State Command, Area Commander Osogbo – Osun State, and Area Commander Gusau – Zamfara State.
Others include Commandant Police Training School (PTS) Ikeja Lagos State, Deputy Commandant Police College Ikeja Lagos State, Commissioner of Police Servicom Force Headquarters Abuja, Commissioner of Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) FHQ, Commissioner of Police Kwara State Command, Commissioner of Police Admin Medical Faloma Lagos State, AIG Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, and DIG Force Criminal Investigations Department, FHQ, Abuja.
