List Of Nigeria Inspector Generals Of Police (1964-Present)
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) is the highest-ranking officer in the Nigeria Police Force. And, their responsibilities, Include overseeing police operations and reporting directly to the President and the Minister of Police Affairs.
However, the role was established in 1964. They also participate in national security discussions and are members of different governmental councils.
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List Of Nigeria Inspector General Of Police From 1964 Till Date
Name | Years |
---|---|
Louis Edet | 1964 – 1966 |
Kam Salem | 1966 – 1974 |
Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu | 1975 – 1979 |
Adamu Suleiman | 1979 – 1981 |
Sunday Adewusi | 1981 – 1983 |
Etim Inyang | 1985 – 1986 |
Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta | 1986 – 1990 |
Aliyu Attah | 1990 – 1993 |
Ibrahim Coomassie | 1993 – 1999 |
Musiliu Smith | 1999 – 2002 |
Mustafa Adebayo Balogun | 2002 – 2005 |
Sunday Ehindero | 2005 – 2007 |
Mike Mbama Okiro | 2007 – 2009 |
Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo | 2009 – 2010 |
Hafiz Ringim | 2010 – 2012 |
Mohammed Dikko Abubakar | 2012 – 2014 |
Suleiman Abba | 2014 – 2015 |
Solomon Arase | 2015 – 2016 |
Ibrahim Kpotun Idris | 2016 – 2019 |
Mohammed Adamu | 2019 – 2021 |
Usman Alkali Baba | 2021 – 2023 |
Kayode Egbetokun | 2023 – |
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Who Was The First Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
Louis Orok Edet was the first Indigenous Inspector General of Police in Nigeria, serving from 1964 to 1966. He was born on August 29, 1913, in Calabar. Edet’s career in the police force started in 1931 when he joined as a clerk.
He took part in training courses in England in 1953, 1957, and 1960. Notably, in 1960, he led the first group of Nigerian police officers sent to the Congo under the United Nations.
In 1961, Edet was promoted to Commissioner of Police and assigned to the federal capital. His excellent performance led to further promotions, and by 1962, he became the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
On April 1, 1964, Edet was appointed Inspector General of Police. He took over from J.E. Hodge, the last expatriate in this role. During his time as Inspector General, Edet was known for his strong commitment to professionalism, discipline, and integrity.
He implemented police reforms and aimed to modernize the police force in Nigeria. His leadership was especially challenging during the 1966 military coup, as he was responsible for overseeing the investigation and arrest of those involved in the plot.
Unfortunately, his time in office was short when he was asked to resign in 1966 due to political changes. After his resignation, Edet was assigned to the Nigerian High Commission in London as a police attaché until he retired in 1968.
Following his retirement, he served as Commissioner for Home Affairs and Information in the South-Eastern State. Louis Edet’s legacy is honored by the Louis Edet House, the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja named after him. Sadly, Louis Edet passed away on January 17, 1979, but his contributions to the Nigeria Police Force continue to be remembered.
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Who Is The Current Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
The current Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Nigeria is Kayode Egbetokun. He was born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. Kayode Egbetokun became the 22nd Inspector General of Police on June 19, 2023.
He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take over from Usman Alkali Baba. Egbetokun graduated from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in June 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
He continued his studies at UNILAG and earned an MSc in Engineering Analysis in 1996. Then, he also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University in 2000 and an MBA from Lagos State University in 2004.
Additionally, he holds a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State. However, Egbetokun joined the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
And over the years, he has held many important positions. For instance, he served as the Chief Security Officer to the then-governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, from 1999 to 2005.
He also led the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos and was the Squadron Commander of Mopol 5 in Benin City. Egbetokun has been the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Fraud Unit in Abuja, a Chief Superintendent of Police in Lagos, and an Area Commander in Osogbo, Osun State, and Gusau, Zamfara State.
Before becoming the IGP, Egbetokun was the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) at Zone 7 Headquarters in Abuja and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He has attended many local and international courses to improve his skills. These include the Close Protection Course in the UK, the Squadron Commander Combat Ops Course, the Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College in Jos, and the Strategic Leadership Course at the same college. As the IGP, Egbetokun is responsible for maintaining law and order across Nigeria.
His duties include protecting people, preventing and detecting crimes, and ensuring the safety of lives and property. Egbetokun also works with other law enforcement agencies and government bodies to maintain national security.
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Who Is The Current Deputy Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
The current Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in Nigeria is Yahaya Sahabo Abubakar. He was appointed on June 7, 2024, and before becoming DIG, he served as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 14 Katsina.
DIG Abubakar represents the northeast geopolitical zone on the Police Management Team, having succeeded DIG Habu Sani, who recently retired.