The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Ibraheem Mogaji Olaniyan, has commended the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Dr Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his exceptional leadership, intelligence, capacity, and profound sense of duty as he exits the service.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Olaniyan described Egbetokun’s appointment as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police as a well-deserved and strategic choice.
He noted that Egbetokun’s extensive professional background across various operational and administrative roles within the Nigeria Police Force clearly demonstrated that he was a round peg in a round hole.
According to him, Egbetokun served with distinction as Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor between 1999 and 2005, Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau, and Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, among several other assignments. These roles, he said, prepared him for the successful leadership of the Force.
The statement added that the PCRC Chairman stated that under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, the Force recorded significant security gains and institutional reforms.
He noted that the Force adopted three strategic policing approaches—confrontation, suppression, and accommodation—to address security challenges, with emphasis on the accommodating model in line with global democratic policing standards.
He further explained that Egbetokun prioritised intelligence-led policing, strengthened collaboration with the military and other security agencies, and improved coordinated responses to terrorism, insurgency, violent crimes, and communal conflicts across the country.
It further added that Alhaji Olaniyan highlighted the establishment of the Police Special Intervention Squad as a major milestone, noting that the squad adopted a zero-tolerance approach to armed robbery, kidnapping, and related crimes.
He added that the creation of nationwide contact centres enabled real-time reporting, rapid deployment of officers, and swift response to criminal activities, resulting in notable successes, including in Kwara State, though some gallant officers paid the supreme sacrifice.
He also commended the outgoing IGP for reducing crime through arrests and prosecution of suspects, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and successful rescue of numerous kidnap victims in joint operations with other security agencies.
In the area of personnel welfare and motivation, Olaniyan praised the initiation of the Annual Nigeria Police Awards, rehabilitation of police barracks, upgrading of police infrastructure, and the construction and commissioning of the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, which has inspired similar projects across states.
According to the statement, the PCRC Chairman noted that Egbetokun strengthened community policing and restored public confidence in the Force through enhanced police-community collaboration. He emphasised that the “If you see something, say something” campaign improved intelligence gathering and security outcomes.
He further acknowledged Egbetokun’s commitment to accountability, discipline, recruitment, and improved staff welfare, which boosted morale and enhanced professionalism within the Force.
Olaniyan also appreciated the former IGP’s strong support for the PCRC, describing the Committee as a vital partner in grassroots intelligence and community policing. He noted that under Egbetokun’s leadership, the PCRC received encouragement to strengthen engagement with communities, expand its structure, and promote inclusiveness through youth and women’s participation. He stated that under the leadership of the IGP Egbetokun, the PCRC was able to secure the National Secretariat property in Abuja, which is under construction.
The PCRC National Chairman also welcomed and congratulated the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, AIG Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noting that his over three decades of experience in policing, intelligence, crime control, and security management will further strengthen the Nigeria Police Force.
He further revealed that the father of the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police is a distinguished and cap-carrying member of the PCRC. This, he said, has endeared AIG Disu to members across the country and in the diaspora, who proudly regard him as one of their own. He described the appointment as a significant encouragement and a form of recognition for the PCRC’s sustained contributions to community policing and grassroots intelligence.
He expressed confidence that the new Acting IGP would sustain ongoing reforms, deepen intelligence-driven policing, and expand community partnerships in line with global best practices.
The PCRC reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in promoting public safety, trust, and national security.