The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressed his determination to combat crime in Nigeria during an interview following his decoration with the new rank by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Egbetokun likened himself to a tiger and a lion, ready to chase away criminals and devour internal enemies of the country.
Egbetokun, who was visibly enthused about his new responsibility, shared his sentiments, stating, “Now I have just been decorated, and I am looking forward to taking over tomorrow morning (Wednesday) by 11 am. I really can’t describe how I feel presently. But if I have to tell you anything, I will tell you that right now I feel like a tiger inside of me ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria. And some other time, I feel like a lion in me ready to devour all the internal enemies of Nigeria. That’s my feeling right now.”
During the interview, the former IGP, Alkali Usman Baba, also expressed his satisfaction in handing over the reins of leadership to someone he trusts to continue the work he started. Reflecting on the significance of passing the baton to his successor, Baba stated, “It’s very significant as you have mentioned. It’s a stage, you come, you work, and you go. I’m happy I am handing over to somebody I know that will carry the mantle of leadership from where I have stopped.”
When asked about his familiarity with his successor, Baba highlighted their long-standing professional relationship, saying, “We grew up in the job, we grew up together. I was his boss at a time, even when I was IG. He worked under me twice. We’ve been working together, and I know how he can go ahead to champion the course of the police from where I stopped.”
With a new leader at the helm of the Nigeria Police Force, the country is hopeful that the acting IGP’s determination and experience will contribute to a safer and more secure environment, enabling the swift apprehension of criminals and the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
