The Nigerian police maintain law and order. In 1879, they started as a group of Hausa Constabulary and later spread throughout the nation. Their remarkable performance led the government to establish them in Calabar in 1894 and Lagos in 1896. The Southern and Northern Nigeria Police Force were recognised in 1930 by the federal government. However, NPF was recognized nationwide in 1986 and backed by the 1999 constitution under sections 214 to 216. Therefore, the rank of inspector general of police was established in 1964 when Louis Edet was the first to head it. Subject to approval by the Nigerian Senate, the IGP is appointed by the president of Nigeria on advice from the police service commission. The IGP office is an important office headed by the highest-ranking officer who provides leadership and guidance to the police force. As we move further, we will discuss in detail what the office entails and see the names of the past and present IGP.
Complete List Of Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria from 1964 to date
| No | Names of Inspectors General Nigeria | Duration (Period) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louis Orok 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 |
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Who is an Inspector General of Police?
An inspector-general of police is the number one police officer in the country with the highest rank, appointed by the president of the federation, with his office in the state capital at the police headquarters in Abuja. Before the appointment, it is expected that the IGP must be a serving police officer and be ranked as an assistant inspector general of police (AIG) and must have been nominated by the president and screened by the Nigeria Police Council, who are selected from serving police officers. He also belongs to the security council in the country and debriefs the president directly when required.
The IGP is supported in performing his duties by the Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), the Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs), and the Commissioners, who head the states of the federation.
What Are His Duty?
- Leadership and Guidance: The IGP is considered the number one officer of the Nigerian Police Force, which gives him the power to deploy troops to areas of security concern. He is expected to assign leadership roles to worthy officers to combat any security challenges across the nation.
- Protection of lives and properties: The Inspector General (IG) bears the responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens of Nigeria. As the leader, he is tasked with managing, overseeing, and designing a roadmap for policing activities in the country to boost the confidence of its citizens.
- Vandalism: No nation is crime-free, and vandalism, theft, and destruction of government properties can negatively impact the country’s GDP. We expect the nation’s IGP to implement a mitigation plan to curb this menace.
- Training: The Inspector General of Police also foresees training programs, organizes retreats for officers, and monitors and forms new units within the force. He also appoints senior police officers to head various departments and units, so the policies and training acquired can be shared.
- Interagency Collaboration: Together with other security outfits like the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Interior, the IGP synergizes to share ideas with the aim and objectives of safeguarding the nation.
How Can I Become An Inspector General In The Nigeria Police Force?
To become an inspector general of police in Nigeria, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
- You must be a Nigerian.
- Apply for enlistment in the Nigerian police and be a serving police officer.
- Take promotional exams as scheduled to advance to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.
- You must be appointed by the president after being considered by the police service commission, and you must undergo screening and confirmation by the Senate.
Who Was The First Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria
The first highest-ranking officer of the Nigerian police was a Briton named John Edward Hodge, who was succeeded by Louis Orok Edet, born on August 29, 1913. The first Nigerian to be appointed to the position. He is an indigenous person from a small town called Duke in Calabar Cross River State. Edet had his education in his hometown; he attended Bonny Grammar School in Rivers State and was a clerk who joined the Nigerian police force in 1931.
He succeeded John Edward Hodge in 1964, making him the first Nigerian to occupy that position; he served between 1964 and 1966. During his tenure, he held various positions, including sub-inspector in 1945 and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1949. Mr. Edet began moving up the ranks in 1960, serving as a deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner. His work and leadership skills won him important recognition in Congo by the United Nations between 1960 and 1961 when Nigeria became independent.
Not far away, in 1961, Mr. Edet received a promotion to the rank of commissioner, assuming responsibility for the federal capital territory. And in 1962, he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General and Inspector General, finally, in 1964
He was forced to resign from his position as inspector general of police in 1966 due to the country’s political climate. Two years later, he retired from the police force.
Who Is Currently The Inspector General Of Police In Nigeria?
Mr. Kayode hails from Ogun State, born in 1964. As an assistant superintendent of police in 1990, he joined the Nigerian Police after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He possesses an MBA and holds a master’s degree in engineering analysis. Mr. Kayode is also computer literate, having completed a course in Electronic Data Processing and Computer Programming at Lagos State University before advancing to Delta State University to bag a Diploma in Petroleum Economics and a PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
In Lagos State, from 1999 to 2005, Mr. Kayode served as the chief security officer to the governor. He has served under the following units: the squadron commander, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos, the anti-fraud unit, and had remarkable achievements and was honoureds and was honoured by his superiors for a job well done.
Mr. Kayode is known for his stance on character and discipline in the field of service. Before his appointment, he was an assistant inspector general of police at the headquarters in Abuja and is the 22nd successor to Usman Alkali Baba.
Conclusion
The inspector general of police, who happens to be the highest-ranking officer, oversees all the activities of the police force with the primary objective of saving the lives and properties of its citizens. The office performs duties of immense importance to the nation.
As we have seen, the list of the IGP over time has transitioned in power; this shows the growth achieved in the leadership schema of the Nigerian Police Force, including duties shared and those involved. It is no easy task to carry out, nor is it easy to attain such a high rank with ease. Therefore, a person with profound characteristics is needed to effectively lead the Nigerian Police Force in fulfilling its mandate.
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