Boosting Force Morale: IGP Launches Lagos Police Band to Cushion Personnel Stress from Demanding Duties

By Raheem Ibrahim

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Lagos State Police Command Band in Ikeja as part of efforts to ease stress and reduce tension experienced by officers and men after demanding daily duties.

While launching the first-ever police band organised by a state police command in Nigeria, IGP Egbetokun described the event as a major milestone in the institutional development of the Lagos State Police Command.

The event, which was witnessed by the Governor of Lagos State, representatives of other security agencies, business leaders, and members of the public, was held at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Secretariat on Oduduwa Way, GRA, Ikeja, over the weekend.

According to the IGP, the band will also serve as a public relations and police–community trust platform, giving the police a human face, softening public perception, and helping to build public confidence in the force.

He said, “Crowd control and public order support, as the music from the band will help to douse tension in crowds whenever the need arises; ceremonial and state functions; boosting morale and discipline within the force; image building and corporate identity; cultural integration in a megacity like Lagos; support for community policing initiatives; international best practices and benchmarking; stress management and mental wellbeing; as well as revenue and partnership opportunities.”

The police boss averred that the Lagos State Police Command is arguably the most critically scrutinised and complex police formation in Nigeria, adding that its operations are carried out under the intense pressure of a megacity’s demands, amid broader national institutional challenges.

According to him, “For the first time since the state’s establishment, the Lagos State Police Command now has a band of its own, ending years of reliance on the Force Headquarters Band. The absence of a command band had remained a notable institutional gap, despite Lagos State’s strategic importance.”

The IGP described the Nigerian Police Band as a source of pride, noting that its performances have enhanced ceremonial dignity, strengthened public confidence, and positively projected the image of the police. He added that beyond music, the band symbolises 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, stressing that the initiative forms part of a broader approach to institutional and professional development.

The police chief commended the Commissioner of Police and the command leadership for their commitment, urging other commands across the country to strengthen institutional capacity and professionalism.

He officially launched the Lagos State Police Band for operational and ceremonial use, charging its members to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.

Reiterating the significance of the initiative, the IGP emphasised that the band would further project the police force positively, reinforce public confidence, enhance ceremonial dignity, and strengthen the image of the Nigeria Police Force.

IGP Egbetokun also conferred an honorary Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) rank on Police Youth Ambassador and music icon, Korede Bello, by popular demand.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the evolution of the Lagos State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force at large.

Jimoh expressed deep appreciation to the IGP for personally attending the ceremony despite his tight schedule, noting that his presence underscored the importance of the initiative.

According to him, the establishment of the police band in Lagos State represents a strategic and institutional advancement aimed at strengthening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing 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, and has since grown into a respected unit renowned for excellence in regimental duties, ceremonial engagements, social functions, entertainment, and other official responsibilities.

Jimoh stated that the Lagos State Police Command occupies a uniquely critical position within the Nigeria Police Force, operating in a megacity 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.

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

He 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.

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, expressing confidence that the band would positively contribute to tradition, discipline, and public perception of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State.

He added that the Lagos State Police Command is not merely a regional branch of the Nigeria Police Force, but a critical institution operating at the crossroads of hyper-urbanisation, intense economic activity, and complex societal challenges within Nigeria’s democratic policing framework.

In his goodwill message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, expressed strong support for the establishment of the police band, noting that it would strengthen synergy between the government and the police.

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative would bring the police closer to the people they serve, as the band would not only serve the police but also members of the public when the need arises.

He emphasised the importance of cooperation between the people and the police, stating that security is fundamental to development, adding that schools, hospitals, and businesses cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear.

According to him, the Lagos State Government has consistently prioritised the security of lives and property, noting that investment cannot be attracted in an insecure environment, which is why the state continues to partner with the police.

He said the launch reflects Lagos State’s journey as a centre of excellence committed to creating a stable environment where businesses and communities can thrive.

Dignitaries present at the event included the 58th Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos and Ogun Commands, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; serving and retired AIGs and CPs; Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Agriculture, Abiodun Yinusa; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Adamson Ayinde.

Others were former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties in Osun State and Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority, Engineer Olalekan Badmus; Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Folashade Badmus; Executive Secretary and CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayo Ogunsan; Chief Justice of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba; Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Are Abisoye; retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Yetunde Longe; representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Army; Chairperson of POWA, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Jimoh; representatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA); members of the Lagos State Police Command; traditional rulers; and other stakeholders working with the police to maintain law and order in the state.