Egbetokun: My Removal was God’s Plan
Last update: March 15, 2026
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Former IGP Kayode Egbetokun says his removal came at the right time...
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 and was part of God’s plan for his life.
CBI News reports that Egbetokun made the remark on Saturday in Abuja during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Force Headquarters Chapel.
The event also featured the inauguration of a new Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy building and was attended by senior officers of the force as well as other worshippers.
Speaking at the service, Egbetokun said faith played a central role throughout his career in the police, including the period he served as the country’s police chief.
He recalled that his appointment as Inspector-General of Police came as a surprise to him and revealed that the first thing he did after entering his office alone was to kneel and pray.
According to him, he made three specific requests to God at the time.
Egbetokun said he prayed for wisdom to lead the office effectively, asked for the grace to complete his assignment successfully, and also prayed that he would not remain in the position longer than God permitted.
He added that he believes those prayers were answered and expressed hope that God would also grant the requests of others present at the thanksgiving service.
“I was not expecting the appointment when it came. The first thing I did when I entered the office alone was to pray,” he said.
“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.”
Reflecting further on his career, Egbetokun said his life had been filled with many testimonies that could hardly be captured in a single book.
He also recounted a dream he once had in which he saw himself riding in a police staff car bearing the registration number NPF02, which made him believe he would one day become a Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
“My entire life is filled with testimonies I cannot possibly capture in a book. In the dream I saw myself in a police staff car with the registration number NPF02, so I believed I would become a Deputy Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
He added that throughout his service, he remained conscious that his actions could affect the image of the police institution.
“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 stated.
