The parade ground at the Force Headquarters in Abuja came alive with colour, music and ceremony on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as the Nigeria Police Force formally honoured its immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, at a ceremonial Pull-Out Parade marking the end of his 36-year policing career.
The retired police chief, who stepped down from active service on February 25, 2026, watched as officers in crisp uniforms marched in formation under the bright Abuja sky, a tradition reserved for the highest-ranking officers leaving the force.
The ceremony symbolised both gratitude and closure for a career that spanned more than three decades of service to the country.
Now succeeded by Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the new Inspector-General described the occasion as a defining moment for the police institution.
He said Egbetokun’s career was marked by “dedication, professionalism and exemplary leadership,” noting that his tenure helped strengthen operational efficiency and deepen the culture of intelligence-led policing within the force.
According to Disu, the retired police chief also pushed reforms aimed at reinforcing discipline, accountability and service among officers.
“On behalf of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, we express our profound appreciation for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions to policing in Nigeria,” he said.
For Egbetokun, the ceremony was both reflective and emotional.
In his farewell address, the former police boss thanked officers, colleagues and the Nigerian public for the opportunity to serve for 36 years, a journey he described as both demanding and deeply rewarding.
He said his administration focused on strengthening internal systems and expanding operational capacity across the force.
Among the initiatives he highlighted were the expansion of the Intelligence Bureau into a full department, the elevation of the police Legal and Medical Units to directorate status, and improvements to the National Criminal Database.
His tenure also saw the development of the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Centre and the establishment of additional Police Mobile Force squadrons, Area Commands and a Special Intervention Squad to boost rapid response to security threats.
Beyond the speeches and ceremonial drills, the event drew a wide array of dignitaries and security leaders who came to pay tribute to the outgoing police chief.
Among them were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi; and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argungu.
Also present were former Inspectors-General of Police including Mike Okiro and Ogbonna Onovo, as well as representatives of other security agencies and traditional rulers led by the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.
As the parade ended and the final salute was rendered, the moment underscored the closing of a long chapter, one defined by years of policing, reform efforts and leadership within Nigeria’s largest law enforcement institution.
