The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has commended the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Dr Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what it described as his exceptional and transformational leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, while expressing strong support for the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, AIG Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
In a press statement issued by Olayemi Esan, Director, Global Communications and Media Relations, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Ibraheem Mogaji Olaniyan, said Egbetokun’s tenure was marked by intelligence-driven policing, institutional reforms, and strengthened collaboration with communities across the country.
Olaniyan, who spoke on behalf of PCRC members in Nigeria and the diaspora, described Egbetokun’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police as strategic and well-deserved. He noted that the former IGP’s extensive operational and administrative experience clearly prepared him for the role.
He highlighted Egbetokun’s distinguished service in various capacities, including 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 other assignments.
According to the PCRC Chairman, the Nigeria Police Force recorded significant security gains and reforms under Egbetokun’s leadership. He explained that the adoption of three strategic policing approaches—confrontation, suppression, and accommodation—helped address diverse security challenges, with emphasis on the accommodating model in line with democratic policing standards.
Olaniyan further stated that Egbetokun prioritised intelligence-led policing, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and improved coordinated responses to terrorism, insurgency, violent crimes, and communal conflicts nationwide.
He identified the establishment of the Police Special Intervention Squad as a major milestone in tackling armed robbery, kidnapping, and related crimes, while noting that nationwide contact centres introduced during the period enabled real-time reporting, rapid deployment of officers, and improved emergency response. He added that these initiatives recorded notable successes in several states, though some gallant officers paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The PCRC Chairman also commended the outgoing IGP for improving personnel welfare and morale through initiatives such as the Annual Nigeria Police Awards, rehabilitation of barracks, infrastructure upgrades, and the construction of the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.
He noted that Egbetokun strengthened community policing, restored public confidence, and promoted the “If you see something, say something” campaign, which enhanced grassroots intelligence gathering and improved security outcomes.
Olaniyan further acknowledged Egbetokun’s commitment to accountability, discipline, recruitment, and staff welfare, which boosted professionalism and operational effectiveness within the Force.
He also appreciated the former IGP’s strong support for the PCRC, describing the Committee as a critical partner in community policing. He revealed that under Egbetokun’s leadership, the PCRC expanded its structure, promoted youth and women participation, and secured its National Secretariat property in Abuja, which is currently under construction.
Welcoming the newly appointed Acting IGP, AIG Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Olaniyan said his over three decades of experience in policing, intelligence, and crime control would further strengthen the Nigeria Police Force.
He disclosed that the father of the Acting IGP is a distinguished cap-carrying member of the PCRC, a development he said has endeared Disu to members nationwide and in the diaspora. He described the appointment as recognition of the Committee’s contributions to grassroots intelligence and community policing.
The PCRC expressed confidence that the new Acting IGP would sustain ongoing reforms, deepen intelligence-driven policing, and expand police-community partnerships in line with global best practices.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in promoting public safety, trust, and national security.
