President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, describing his career in the Nigeria Police Force as one defined by discipline, consistency, and results.

In a goodwill message marking Egbetokun’s retirement, Tinubu said his reflections on the former police chief were “deeply personal,” recalling their first meeting in 1998, when Egbetokun was a young officer he described as already distinguished by character, discipline, intellectual depth and unwavering sense of duty.

“My reflections today are not only institutional; they are deeply personal. I recall with clarity my first encounter with him in 1998. Though a relatively young officer at the time, what stood before me was not merely rank, but character, discipline, intellectual depth, and an unwavering sense of duty. There was a quiet confidence about him, rooted not in ambition, but in competence and integrity. Those early impressions endured.”

The President said that in 1999, shortly after his election as Governor of Lagos State, he had considered Egbetokun for the position of Aide-de-Camp, but the officer declined on grounds of seniority, recommending another officer instead.

Tinubu said the decision reflected what he called “discipline, modesty and respect for order,” adding that Egbetokun later served as his Chief Security Officer.

“In 1999, upon my election as Governor of Lagos State, I considered him for the role of Aide-de-Camp. Characteristically, he declined, noting he was senior to Tunji Disu and that the younger officer should assume the position. In that moment, I saw again his discipline, modesty, and respect for order. He instead served as my Chief Security Officer, a role he discharged with exceptional professionalism, loyalty, and diligence.”

Tinubu further traced the former IGP’s career trajectory through multiple police formations and commands, including the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, the Police Mobile Force, FCT Command, training institutions, EOD operations, and Kwara State Command, noting that he built a reputation earned through discipline, consistency and results.

“Over the years, I followed his career closely, and everywhere I looked, the story was consistent, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun distinguished himself. Across operational, investigative, and administrative roles, from the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos to the Police Mobile Force, the FCT Command, training institutions, EOD operations, and the Kwara State Command. He built a reputation earned through discipline, consistency, and results. He was widely regarded as calm under pressure, firm in decision-making, and unwavering in service.”

According to the President, Egbetokun’s career progression reflected steady professional growth, culminating in his appointment as Inspector-General of Police in 2023. He said his tenure as police chief was marked by “stability, clarity and professionalism,” with emphasis on institutional strengthening and intelligence-led policing.

The President also commended Egbetokun’s family for their support throughout his career and wished him good health and peace in retirement.

Egbetokun’s exit comes after decades in the Nigeria Police Force, where he held several operational and administrative roles before rising to the top of the institution.

“What stood out most was not only his competence, but his growth. He evolved from a promising young officer into a refined, strategic, and dependable leader, shaped by experience and guided by principle.

“It was therefore no surprise when his career culminated in his appointment as Inspector-General of Police in 2023. In that role, he brought stability, clarity, and professionalism to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, advancing institutional strengthening and a more intelligence-driven approach to policing.

“As he retires, we celebrate not merely the completion of service, but the validation of a lifetime defined by discipline, loyalty, and integrity. He represents the very best of what our institutions can produce, a man whose journey affirms that character, when sustained over time, earns trust and responsibility.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend profound appreciation for his invaluable contributions to national security and public service. I also acknowledge the support of his family throughout his years of service.

“I wish him continued good health, fulfilment, and enduring peace in the years ahead,” the story added.