The Inspector General of Police (IGP) heads the Nigeria Police Force, the country’s primary law enforcement agency. Since its creation in 1964, Nigeria has had over 20 IGPs, each serving for varying terms.
The President of Nigeria appoints the IGP upon the recommendation of the Police Service Commission. However, the IGP’s role is instrumental in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and lighting crime throughout the nation.
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Complete List Of Inspector Generals Of Police Till Date
No | Name | Start Year | End Yera |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Louis Edet | 1964 | 1966 |
2 | Kam Salem | 1966 | 1974 |
3 | Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu | 1975 | 1979 |
4 | Adamu Suleiman | 1979 | 1981 |
5 | Sunday Adewusi | 1981 | 1983 |
6 | Etim Inyang | 1985 | 1986 |
7 | Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta | 1986 | 1990 |
8 | Aliyu Attah | 1990 | 1993 |
9 | Ibrahim Coomassie | 1993 | 1999 |
10 | Musiliu Smith | 1999 | 2002 |
11 | Mustafa Adebayo Balogun | 2002 | 2005 |
12 | Sunday Ehindero | 2005 | 2007 |
13 | Mike Mbama Okiro | 2007 | 2009 |
14 | Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo | 2009 | 2010 |
15 | Hafiz Ringim | 2010 | 2012 |
16 | Mohammed Dikko Abubakar | 2012 | 2014 |
17 | Suleiman Abba | 2014 | 2015 |
18 | Solomon Arase | 2015 | 2016 |
19 | Ibrahim Kpotun Idris | 2016 | 2019 |
20 | Mohammed Adamu | 2019 | 2021 |
21 | Usman Alkali Baba | 2021 | 2023 |
22 | Kayode Egbetokun | 2023 | Present |
Who Was The First Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
Louis Edet was the person to become the Inspector General of Police In Nigeria. He held this position from 1964 to 1966. Before him, the role was occupied by foreigners, but Edet’s appointment was a notable moment in Nigerian history as it was the first time a local officer took charge.
Born in 1914 in Calabar, which is now in Cross River State, Edet had a strong background that helped him reach such a high rank. His family, led by his parents Edet Essien and Geraldine Orok, played a big part in his early life.
During his time as Inspector General, Edet improved the police force and its operations. After his time as the head of the police, he continued to serve the country in various ways.
For a short period, he was also the chairman of the Nigerian Football Association in the early 1960s. After the Nigerian Civil War, Edet focused on helping war victims.
He was a commissioner for social services and even started his charity to support those affected by the conflict. In recognition of his service, the police headquarters in Abuja is named “Louis Edet House.”
His legacy lives on, not just in the police force but also in the social services he provided for many people during and after his career.
Louis Edet’s contributions to Nigeria were immense, and his role as the first Nigerian Inspector General of Police remains a proud part of the nation’s history.
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Who Is The New Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
The new Inspector General of Police in Nigeria is Kayode Egbetokun, who was appointed to the role on June 19, 2023.
He took over from Usman Alkali Baba and was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Egbetokun has served in many high-ranking roles within the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun was born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, a town located in Yewa South, Ogun State. He is well-educated, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos in 1987.
He went on to get a master’s degree in Engineering Analysis in 1996 and later received a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University in Kwara State.
Additionally, he holds other qualifications, including an MBA from Lagos State University and a postgraduate diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University.
Egbetokun’s career in the police force began in March 1990 when he joined as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over the years, he has held different positions, including being the chief security officer to Bola Tinubu when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State.
Egbetokun also served as the commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos.
Before his current appointment, Egbetokun was a deputy inspector-general of police, overseeing operations in the South-West zone of Nigeria.
His work in the Force Criminal Investigations Department in Abuja since April 2023 has further prepared him for this role as Inspector General of Police.
As the new head of the Nigeria Police Force, Egbetokun is responsible for leading efforts to maintain law and order in the country, ensuring the police force is well-equipped to handle security issues.
With his extensive background, both academically and professionally, he is seen as a capable leader who will bring positive changes to the Nigerian police system.
Who Is The New Deputy Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
Yahaya Abubakar is the new Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in Nigeria. He was recently appointed to this high-ranking position by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
This appointment strengthens the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, especially as DIG Abubakar represents the North-East geopolitical zone. Before becoming the DIG, Yahaya Abubakar served as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 14, Katsina.
His long career in the police force has given him a lot of experience in different areas of policing. He has worked in both city and rural settings, which helps him understand the unique challenges in these environments.
His promotion to DIG comes at a time when Nigeria is dealing with serious security threats like terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.