The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on has inaugurated the Lagos State Police Command Band in Ikeja.

Egbetokun describes the event as a major milestone in the command’s institutional development.

He launched this at the Police Officers’ Wives Association,  POWA, Secretariat on Oduduwa Way, GRA-Ikeja.

He said for the first time since its establishment, the Lagos State Police Command had a band of its own, ending years of reliance on the Force Headquarters Band.

According to him, the absence of a command band has remained a notable institutional gap despite Lagos State’s strategic importance.

The Police Chief described the Nigerian Police Band as a source of pride, saying its performances had enhanced ceremonial dignity, strengthened public confidence, and positively projected the image of the police.

He added that beyond music, the band symbolised discipline, unity, and professionalism within the force.

Egbetokun assured that efforts would be made to modernise the band through the provision of modern musical instruments and other resources.

He stressed that the initiative forms part of a broader approach to institutional and professional development.
Egbetokun commended the Commissioner of Police and the Command leadership for their commitment.

He urged other commands across the country to strengthen institutional capacity and professionalism.

The police chief officially launched the Lagos State Police Band for operational and ceremonial use, charging its members to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism.

According to him, the absence of a command band has remained a notable institutional gap.

He emphasised that the band would further project the police force positively, reinforce public confidence, enhance ceremonial dignity and strengthened the image of the Force.

The Police Chief awarded Police Youth Ambassador cum Music Icon Korede Bello an honorary Chief Superintendent of Police by popular demand.

In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the evolution of the Lagos State command and the Nigerian Police Force at large.

Jimoh expressed deep gratitude to the IGP for personally attending the ceremony in spite of his extremely tight schedule, noting that his presence underscored the importance of the initiative.

According to the commissioner, the establishment of the police band in Lagos State represents a strategic and institutional advancement aimed at strengthening professionalism, morale, and public trust in the police.

He noted that the Nigerian Police Band traced its origins to its modest establishment at the Police College in 1966.

Jimoh said the band had since grown into a respected unit renowned for excellence in regimental duties, ceremonial engagements, social functions, entertainment, and other official responsibilities.

According to him, the command occupies a uniquely critical position within the Nigerian Police Force, operating in a mega city characterised by rapid urbanisation, intense economic activity, high population density, and complex social dynamics.

He described the command as one of the most scrutinised and operationally demanding formations in the country, tasked with safeguarding vast national and international investments while maintaining public order.

Jimoh highlighted notable achievements recorded by the command in recent years, attributing the successes to effective leadership and reforms under the IGP.

The commissioner noted that the absence of a police band in Lagos State had long been a significant institutional gap, given the command’s national importance and frequent ceremonial and public engagements.

In his words the establishment of the Nigerian Police Band in Lagos State is not only timely but a strategic necessity, as it will enhance the professional image of the police, boost officers’ morale, and deepen engagement with the public.

Jimoh further stated that the expansion of the Nigerian Police Band to Lagos State was driven by patriotism, passion, and a commitment to meeting the growing demands of the command.

He expressed confidence that the band would contribute positively to the traditions, discipline, and public perception of the Nigerian Police Force in Lagos State.

According to him, the band will serve the following purposes: Public Relations and Police Community Trust- to give the police a human touch, soften public perception and help to build trust in the police.

Crowd Control and Public Order Support as the music from the band will help to dowse the tension in the crowd, whenever there is tension in the land,
Ceremonial and State Functions, Boosting Morale and Discipline Within The Force.

Image Building and Corporate Identity, Cultural Integration in a Mega City like Lagos, Support for Community Policing Initiatives, International Best Practice and Benchmarking, Stress Management and Mental Wellbeing and, Revenue and Partnership Opportunities.

The Police Boss averred that  Lagos Police command is arguably the most critically  scrutisised 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.

He said it is not merely 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

In his goodwill message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who spoke through the Secretary to State Government-Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin expressed strong belief in the establishment of The Police Band as it would go a long way to ensure a tighter synergy between the government and police.

Sanwo-Olu said this would bring the police closer to the people they serve, as the band would not only be used for the police alone, but for the members of the public as the need arises.

He emphaised the need for closeness and cooperation between the people and the police, saying the state believes that security is transition to development,  adding that schools, hospitals, businesses among others cannot operate in an atmosphere of fear.

According to him, government have always believed in security of lives and property, saying you cannot attract investment in an insecure environment that is why Lagos government has continued to partner with the police.

He said today’s launch reflects the journey of Lagos State as a centre for excellence in creating a stable environment where businesses can thrive.

On behalf of the government and good people of Lagos State, I sincerely thank the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP, the Lagos state CP, for their commitment, dedication and collaboration.  

The Executive Secretary of The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan while speaking on the power of music to the soul, promised to engage the band on his platform during his annual musical concert at a fee.

The Chief Judge of Lagos-Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba gave his support for the establishment of The Lagos State Police Command Band.

Some personalities present at the band launch were: The 58th Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft-Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, AIG Zone 2, Lagos and Ogun Commands-AIG Adegoke Fayoade, AIGs both active and retired, CPs, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Agric Abiodun Yinusa, Senior Special Assistant to President on Industrial Training & Development, Adamson Ayinde.

Others included: Former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties in Osun State and the Executive Director Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority-Engineer Olalekan Badmus, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Folashade Badmus, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayo Ogunsan, Chief Justice of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, Director General, National Institute of Tourism, Are Abisoye, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Yetunde Longe, Representatives of Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, the Air force, the Army, Chairperson of POWA Oluwatoyin Jimoh, representative of GM Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, members of the Lagos State Police Command, Traditional Rulers and numerous personalities who work hand in hand with the police to maintain law and order in the state.