God timed my removal as IGP — Egbetokun
The immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said his removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came at the right time, describing it as part of God’s
The immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said his removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came at the right time, describing it as part of God’s divine plan.
Egbetokun made the remark on Saturday in Abuja during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel.
The event, NAN reports, also featured the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy edifice and was attended by senior police officers and worshippers.
According to him, faith played a central role throughout his career in the Nigeria Police Force, including during his tenure as the nation’s police chief.
“I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” Egbetokun said.
He explained that upon assuming office in 2023, he offered three prayers which he said guided his leadership.
“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second for grace to end well, and the third not to stay a day longer than God permits.
“I believe God has answered those prayers, and my prayer for everyone here is that God answers whatever you ask of him,” he added.
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Reflecting on his decades-long career, Egbetokun said his journey in the police had always been influenced by faith since graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy.
“My entire life is filled with testimonies I cannot possibly capture in a book,” he said while recounting some personal experiences that shaped his path in service.
He disclosed that before joining the police force, he once dreamt of becoming a Deputy Inspector-General of Police rather than the head of the force.
“In the dream I saw myself in a police staff car with the registration number NPF02, so I believed I would become a DIG,” he said.
According to him, the experience later taught him that God sometimes conceals greater plans from individuals.
Egbetokun, who recently stepped down as Inspector-General following a directive by President Tinubu, said his love for the police institution guided his conduct throughout his career.
“I knew whatever I did would affect the image of the force. So I made it my duty to remain professional and uphold integrity, transparency and fairness,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, commended Egbetokun for completing the Police Chaplaincy building project during his tenure.
Omoyele noted that the former police chief had long demonstrated commitment to Christian service even before his appointment as Inspector-General.
He added that Egbetokun’s records as Commissioner of Police in Kwara State and later as Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7 reflected dedication and commitment to service.
The chaplain also credited him with initiating the Nigeria Police Force’s annual Christmas carol programme and expanding its national visibility.
