The acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, assumed office at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, noting that policing under his watch will be technology-driven, just as he promised improved welfare for policemen.
Wednesday marked the formal exit of Usman Baba as the IG, who handed over to Egbetokun at a ceremony held at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Presidency had on Monday announced that President Bola Tinubu had appointed Egbetokun as acting IG.
Egbetokun, who was decorated at the State House on Tuesday by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, becomes the nation’s 22nd IG.
On receiving the police leadership baton from Baba on Wednesday, the acting IG noted that much needed to be done to improve policing in Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Police Force will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability. We will also include a technology-driven approach to leveraging other techniques to ensure effective and efficient of resources.
“We will provide support structures for police officers that would cater for their physical, and psychological needs. We will introduce programmes to strengthen the minds and hearts of every officer. We will secure the nation,” he said.
Stressing the importance of community policing as an important policy thrust of his administration, Egbetokun disclosed plans to strengthen the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Force.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support the police in the fight against criminal activities, while noting that he hopes to build a stronger inter-agency collaboration and deepen the technology approach to guaranteeing internal security.
On his part, the outgoing IG, Baba, expressed a sense of fulfilment, saying he was leaving the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it.
Baba said, “It is with a sense of gratitude to almighty Allah and a deep sense of professional fulfillment that I address you on this occasion.
“As I exit the leadership of the Force today, I believe that I am leaving it better than I met it. I believe that I have added value to policing in Nigeria.”
