Ex-Police Chief Gasali Lawal Dies After 33 Years of Service
Ex-Police Chief Gasali Lawal Dies After 33 Years of Service
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Gasali Dewale Lawal, describing him as a senior officer whose career contributed significantly to national peace and security.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, extended condolences to Lawal’s family, friends and associates, noting that his death marks the end of a long era of service in the Nigeria Police Force.
Lawal joined the police in 1976 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police after earlier working as a lecturer with the Federal Ministry of Education.
He underwent professional training at the Police Staff College in Jos and served in various operational and strategic roles across the country during a 33-year career.
He held several key positions, including Divisional Police Officer in Lagos, Area Commander in Oyo State, Commissioner of Police in Kwara and Kaduna States and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of multiple police zones. He later served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Works Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja before retiring.
The late senior officer attended several professional and leadership courses in Nigeria and abroad, including training programmes in the United Kingdom, Egypt and Thailand, as well as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, where he was awarded the Member of the National Institute honour.
Lawal received several commendations during his career, including the Nigeria Police Medal, the Security Watch Best Police AIG award in 2004, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
The police described him as a calm and fair leader who played key roles in conflict de-escalation and community engagement in areas where he served.
The Inspector-General said the Force will honour Lawal’s legacy of professionalism, integrity and selfless service and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
