The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, officially launched the Lagos State Police Command Band at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Secretariat, Oduduwa Way, GRA-Ikeja, on Friday, January 23, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Nigeria Police Force. The band is expected to boost public confidence, enhance ceremonial dignity, and strengthen the force’s image.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Saliu Hundeyin, praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of security in driving development. He noted that the state government will continue to partner with the police to create a stable environment for businesses to thrive.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Speech:

“The Governor emphasizes the need for closeness and cooperation between the people and the police, saying security is a transition to development. Schools, hospitals, businesses can’t operate in fear.

As a government, we believe in security of lives and property. You can’t attract investment in an insecure environment, that’s why Lagos State government partners with the police. Today’s launch reflects Lagos State’s journey as a centre for excellence, creating a stable environment for businesses.

On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I thank the IGP, Lagos State CP, for their commitment, dedication, and collaboration. Security is a shared responsibility.”

The IGP highlighted that the Lagos State Police Command, despite its importance, had no band of its own and relied on the Force Headquarters’ band. He expressed pleasure in correcting this omission, stating that the band will project the Nigeria Police Force positively.

The IGP’s speech:

“I am pleased to commission the Lagos State Police Band. The event would have taken place last week, but due to my tight schedules, the CP had to reschedule it so that I would personally be present.

Despite its importance and strategic position in the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Police had no band of its own, relying on the Force Headquarters’ band. Today, this structural omission has been corrected.

Through consistent, excellent musical performance, and professional conduct, the Nigeria Police band has projected the Nigeria Police Force positively in engagements across the country, reinforcing public confidence, enhancing ceremonial dignity, and strengthening the image of the Force.”

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh (FMNIMC, NIMC, CMC, FCAL, Anipr, Arpa), thanked the IGP for approving the band, noting that it will enhance public trust, morale, and the professional image of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State.

CP Jimoh’s speech:

“Today marks a milestone in the history of Lagos State Police Command and indeed the evolution of the Nigeria Police band section of the Force. As history is being made today, it calls for sharp reflection and reminiscence of the glorious past of the Nigeria Police band from its modest establishment at the police college Ikeja, in the year 1966 by Major I Boyle, to its consistent rating till date as foremost and standard bearer for the Force in the areas of regimental parades, entertainment, social and ceremonial engagements, amongst others.

Lagos state police command is arguably the most critically scrutinized and most complex police formation in Nigeria, adding that its operations are conducted under the intense pressure of a megacity’s demands against a backdrop of national institutional challenges. It is not merely a regional branch of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) but is a critical institution operating at a fiery crossroads of hyper-urbanization, immense economic states, profound societal inequality in a Nigeria’s enduring struggle for democratic policing.

Establishing a police band is not a luxury but a strategic necessity that would enhance public trust, morale, and the professional image of the Nigeria Police Force Lagos State.”

Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Executive Secretary of The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), highlighted the power of music to the soul and promised to book the band for his annual musical concert, making a payment.

DCP Favour U. Chinonyerem, Director of Music with the Nigerian Police Band, also expressed support for the band’s establishment. Several distinguished guests praised the IGP and the CP Lagos in their goodwill messages at the event.

The Police IG awarded an honorary Chief Superintendent of Police title to Korede Bello, a Police Youth Ambassador and music star, citing popular demand, and urged other command commissioners to follow the CP’s lead.

Among the dignitaries present were Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft; AIG Adegoke Fayoade, Zone 2, Lagos and Ogun Commands; Retired AIG Yetunde Longe, serving and retired AIGs; Mrs. Oluwatoyin Risqot Jimoh, Chairperson of POWA, Lagos State; representatives from the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and Army; senior police officers; and a representative of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, among others.

Other notable attendees included Engr Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director of Marine and Operations at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Hon. Folashade Bada, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment; Hon Justice Kazeem Olarenwaju Aruga, Chief Justice of Lagos State; Are Abisoye, Director General of National Institute of Tourism; Honourable Abiodun Mufutau Yinusa, CP’s Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Agric; and Honourable Adamson O Ayinde, Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Industrial Training & Development, among others.