Shortly after being announced as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun was ceremoniously decorated with his new rank by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, just 24 hours after the announcement.
The ceremony, held at 1 pm, was attended by notable figures including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum Hope Uzodinma, President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the outgoing IGP Usman Alkali.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the newly appointed police chief expressed his readiness to tackle Nigeria’s internal enemies, stating, “I feel like a tiger, prepared to vanquish all threats to Nigeria’s security,” as he prepared to assume office at 11:00 a.m. the following day.
Former IGP Baba Alkali emphasized the significance of passing the baton to his successor, stating, “It’s a stage, you come, you work, and you go. I’m happy to hand over to someone I know will continue the leadership mantle from where I left off.” When asked about his familiarity with the incoming IGP, Alkali explained their shared history, saying, “We grew up in the job together. I was his boss at one point, even when I was IG. He has worked under me twice, and we have collaborated closely. I have confidence in his ability to carry forward the cause of the police from where I left off.”
In a notable change of leadership on Monday night, President Bola Tinubu approved the immediate retirement of the Chief of Defence Staff, all service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali. Tinubu subsequently appointed new officials to these positions, including Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff, DIG Kayode Egbetokun as Acting Inspector-General of Police, and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
When asked about the weight of his new responsibility, incoming IGP Kayode Egbetokun responded, “I have just been decorated and I am eagerly anticipating taking over tomorrow morning at 11 am. I cannot fully express my emotions at this moment, but if I were to describe it, I would say that I feel like a tiger within me, ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria. At the same time, I feel like a lion, prepared to defeat all internal enemies of Nigeria. That’s how I feel right now.”