Tribute To Excellence: Nigeria Police Mourns Death Of Retired DIG Gasali Lawal

The Nigeria Police Force has mourned the passing of a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Gasali Dewale Lawal, describing him as a distinguished statesman and consummate police professional.

In a Friday statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, it said DIG Lawal’s death marks the end of an era of exemplary service, leadership, and enduring contributions to national peace and security.

The statement reads, “Born with an enduring passion for learning and public service, the late DIG Lawal earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from the University of Ife in 1973 and belonged to the pioneer batch of the National Youth Service Corps in the same year.

“Following a brief but impactful academic career as a lecturer with the Federal Ministry of Education, he answered the call to national service by joining the Nigeria Police Force in 1976 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, undergoing professional training at the Police Staff College, Bukuru, Jos.

“Over a distinguished policing career spanning 33 years, DIG Lawal served the nation with exceptional dedication across diverse commands and strategic formations.”

The statement added, “He served as Divisional Police Officer in several divisions in Lagos State, Area Commander in Oyo State, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Commissioner of Police at the then Force Headquarters, Lagos.

“He was also Commissioner of Police in Kwara and Kaduna States between 1999 and 2003, before his elevation to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zones 5, 8, 2, and 4, respectively.

“He concluded his meritorious career at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the ‘C’ Department (Works).”

The statement further describes DIG Lawal as a firm believer in capacity building and strategic leadership, revealing that  he attended numerous professional courses and conferences within and outside Nigeria, including the Train-the-Trainers’ Course at Middlemoor, Exeter; the Intermediate and Senior Command Courses at the Police Staff College, Jos; anti-narcotics training in Cairo, Egypt; the Interpol Conference in Bangkok, Thailand; and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he was conferred with the prestigious Member of the National Institute (mni).

In recognition of his outstanding service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, DIG Lawal was awarded the Nigeria Police Medal (NPM) and the Security Watch Best Police AIG (South-West) Award in 2004.

He was further honoured with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Renowned for his calm disposition, team-oriented leadership style, and exemplary human relations, he played pivotal roles in de-escalating tensions and fostering peace in communities at critical moments.

His commitment to dialogue, fairness, and inclusive engagement earned him widespread respect across the states and communities he served. Beyond policing, he was a prominent member of the Ikirun Dynamic Club and a passionate advocate for peace, progress, and development within the Ifelodun Community.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of late DIG Gasali Dewale Lawal.

The Force honours his enduring legacy of integrity, professionalism, and selfless service to the nation, and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.