The IGP has an enormous responsibility as the leader of one of the largest police organizations in Africa with over 300,000 personnel. The role requires strong leadership, management and communication skills to direct such a large workforce. The IGP is usually the most senior Commissioner of Police at the time of appointment. The appointment is for a single 4-year term, though it can be renewed by the President.
The IGP is supported by Deputy Inspectors General of Police who head various departments and zones in the police. The DIGs assist the IGP in administering and managing the day-to-day operations of the Force. Together, they work to accomplish the mission and vision of the NPF.
In this article we will go through an overview of the Inspector General of Police duties and responsibilities, and the list of all past Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force.
Overview of the Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) heads the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the police. The IGP is appointed by the President on the advice of the Police Council and is usually the most senior police officer. He is responsible for the operational control and administration of the NPF as well as advising the Federal Government on police matters.
The IGP is supported by seven Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) who head various departments including operations, training, and logistics. The DIGs assist the IGP in administering and overseeing the affairs of the NPF. At the state level, there are Commissioners of Police (CPs) who head the state police commands and are responsible for controlling and directing the force in each state under the supervision of the IGP.
The IGP position is a challenging one, given the size and complexity of the NPF with over 300,000 police officers. The IGP must demonstrate strong leadership qualities to steer the force towards achieving its objectives of ensuring safety and security in Nigeria. An effective IGP can help boost public trust and confidence in the police.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Inspector General of Police
The Inspector General of Police is the highest ranking police officer in Nigeria. As the head of the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP oversees all police operations and activities throughout the country. The IGP is appointed by the President on the advice of the Police Service Commission and heads the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.
Here are some of the responsibilities of the Inspector General of Police in Nigeria:
Chief Executive of the Force
The Inspector General of Police is the chief executive of the Nigeria Police Force. He is responsible for the day to day administration and operation of the Police Force. He oversees policy formulation and ensures the implementation of policies by officers and men of the Force.
Discipline and Training
The IGP is responsible for instilling discipline in the Force. He organizes training programs for recruits and officers to enhance their competence and professionalism. He also organizes special courses for senior police officers to prepare them for higher responsibilities.
Deployment of Personnel
The Inspector General deploys police personnel throughout the country based on needs and exigencies. He deploys men and materials to trouble spots in order to maintain law and order. He also deploys police contingents for special duties such as elections, sporting events, etc.
Promotion and Punishment
The IGP has the power to promote qualified police officers and mete out punishment to erring ones. He promotes officers who are due for promotion based on vacancies and seniority. He also disciplines officers found guilty of offences through warnings, demotion or dismissal from the Force depending on the gravity of the offences.
Budgeting and Finance
The Inspector General prepares the annual budget of the Police Force and submits to the government for approval. He ensures judicious utilization of funds allocated to the Police for the general administration, operation, training, etc. He approves expenditures in line with financial regulations.
Representation
The IGP represents the Nigeria Police Force at national and international levels. He represents the Force at the Police Council Meeting, attends conferences of regional and international police organizations like Interpol, etc. The Police Council is the highest policy-making body on matters relating to police in Nigeria.
Liaison
The Inspector General maintains constant liaison with the Police Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs and other relevant government agencies and institutions. He briefs them regularly on the activities and challenges of the Force and receives directives and guidance from them.
Other duties include the following:
- Formulating and executing police policies and programs
- Coordinating police operations nationwide
- Evaluating and inspecting police units and formations
- Advising the Federal Government on police and internal security matters
- Maintaining public safety and order
Overall, the Inspector General of Police heads an indispensable organization responsible for ensuring the security and well-being of all Nigerians.
Qualifications and Requirements to Become Inspector General in Nigeria
To become the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Nigeria Police Force, there are several qualifications and requirements you must meet.
Educational Qualifications
The IGP must have at least a first degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. Higher degrees such as a master’s or doctorate in law, criminology or a related field are preferred. The candidate should have a strong educational background in police administration, law enforcement and security studies.
Professional Experience
An eligible candidate must have served in the Nigeria Police Force for at least 25 years and attained the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police or higher before being considered for the position of IGP. The candidate should have a proven track record of outstanding performance, integrity and competence throughout their police career.
Leadership Abilities
The IGP is the highest-ranking officer in the police force, so candidates must demonstrate strong leadership qualities and abilities. They should be strategic thinkers able to effectively manage and motivate a large police force. Candidates should show decision making skills, confidence in delegating authority, communication skills, and the ability to work with government officials and the public.
Physical Fitness
The Inspector General of Police must meet the same medical and physical fitness standards as regular police officers. Candidates should be in good health, physically fit, and able to handle the demanding responsibilities of the position.
Integrity and Good Character
Candidates for the position of IGP must be of high integrity, moral character, and discipline. They must have a reputation for honesty, transparency and incorruptibility. The candidate should not have any history of human rights abuses or unethical behavior.
The IGP occupies an extremely important position, so these strict qualifications and requirements help ensure only the most qualified, experienced and reputable candidates are selected to serve in this role.
Who is the Current Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force?
The Nigeria Police Force is a massive institution made up of 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are divided into 17 zones and eight administrative units. The agency is now led by IGP (Inspector General) Kayode Egbetokun. The current Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Nigeria Police Force is Kayode Egbetokun. He took over from the former IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, on June 19, 2023.
Egbetokun was born on September 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area, Ogun State. In June 1987, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos, Akoka, followed by a master’s degree in Engineering Analysis in 1996. He temporarily taught Mathematics at Yaba College of Technology. In 2000, he received a postgraduate diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, and in 2004, he earned an MBA from Lagos State University. He also earned a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Egbetokun joined the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. In 1999, as a deputy superintendent of police, he was named chief security officer to Bola Tinubu, the then-elected governor of Lagos State and current President of Nigeria.
He has held positions such as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos, Squadron Commander of MOPOL’s Anti-Fraud Unit at the FCT Command in Abuja, Chief Superintendent of Police, Administration, Lagos State Command headquarters in Ikeja, Area Commander in Osogbo, Osun State Command, and Area Commander in Gusau, Zamfara State Command.
On June 19, 2023, President Tinubu appointed Egbetokun to succeed Usman Alkali Baba. Prior to his appointment as the inspector general, he was a deputy inspector-general of police and supervising DIG for the South-West geopolitical zone.
The IGP heads the Nigeria Police Force Management Team, which comprises all Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Assistant Inspectors General of Police. They provide strategic direction and oversight for the operations and administration of the 17 zonal commands, 36 state commands and the FCT, various specialist commands, and the Force Headquarters units.
Together with his management team, Kayode Egbetokun is focused on advancing police reforms, fighting crimes, and maintaining law and order for the peace, safety and security of all Nigerians. His leadership and commitment to duty will determine the success of the Nigeria Police Force in achieving its mandate.
List of Past Inspectors General of the Nigeria Police Force
The Inspector General of Police is the highest ranking police officer in Nigeria. He oversees and leads the Nigeria Police Force. Since its establishment, the Nigeria Police Force has been led by 22 Inspectors General.
- Louis Edet (1964 – 1966)
- Kam Salem (1966 – 1974)
- Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu (1975 – 1979)
- Adamu Suleiman (1979 – 1981)
- Sunday Adewusi (1981 – 1983)
- Etim Inyang (1985 – 1986)
- Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta (1986 – 1990)
- Aliyu Attah (1990 – 1993)
- Ibrahim Coomassie (1993 – 1999)
- Musiliu Smith (1999 – 2002)
- Mustafa Adebayo Balogun (2002 – 2005)
- Sunday Ehindero (2005 – 2007)
- Mike Mbama Okiro (2007 – 2009)[1]
- Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo (2009 – 2010)
- Hafiz Ringim (2010 – 2012)
- Mohammed Dikko Abubakar (2012 – 2014)
- Suleiman Abba (2014 – 2015)
- Solomon Arase (2015–2016)
- Ibrahim Kpotun Idris (2016–2019)
- Mohammed Adamu (2019–2021)
- Usman Alkali Baba (2021–2023)
- Kayode Egbetokun (2023–)
The role of Inspector General is demanding, with responsibilities including overseeing police operations, administration and policy implementation nationally. The appointment of Inspectors General has often reflected and impacted the political conditions and leadership of the time. While some tenures have been surrounded by controversy, the position remains one of high importance in ensuring security, peace and stability in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the role and responsibilities of the Inspector General of Police.
What does the Inspector General of Police do?
The IGP is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operation of the Nigeria Police Force. Their main duties include:
- Formulating and executing policing policies and priorities.
- Supervising all police activities including investigations, patrols, traffic, etc.
- Liaising with government officials and the public on police matters.
- Overseeing recruitment, training, discipline, and welfare of all police officers.
- Ensuring adequate resources and budgeting for the police.
- Maintaining public safety, law and order.
How is the IGP appointed?
The IGP is appointed by the President of Nigeria upon recommendation of the Police Service Commission. The appointee must be a senior police officer not below the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. The IGP’s tenure is constitutionally capped at 4 years but the President can extend it for another term.
What challenges does the IGP face?
Some major challenges the IGP deals with include:
- Inadequate funding and resources for the police force.
- Corruption and misconduct within the police.
- Managing security issues like terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, etc. across the country.
- Lack of public trust and confidence in the police.
- Outdated policing strategies and technology.
- Ensuring police officers have proper training, equipment, salaries and welfare.
The role of the Inspector General of Police is crucial to upholding law and order in Nigeria. Though challenging, leading the police force is a position of great responsibility that aims to serve and protect all Nigerian citizens.
Conclusion
So you’ve learned the roles and responsibilities of the Inspector General of Police in Nigeria. As the top commander of the police force, he oversees law enforcement operations across the country. With great power comes great responsibility, the IGP must balance public safety, internal security threats, budget constraints, personnel issues and political pressures.
As citizens, we should understand the complex factors he manages while working to reform and strengthen community-police relations. Progress lies in ongoing communication and partnerships, not just within the force but with all Nigerians seeking safety and stability where we live.