August 4th.2022, was like any normal day for me not until 8pm when my phone started ringing per second , per second. As I reached out to my phone , I saw a message that our oga , Tafa, has passed on.
A lot has been said about this great personality, that I just needed to fill in the gaps, as one of the very senior officers that was branded ” Tafa boys ” then . He was a kind hearted person, very intelligent , proficient in his work and had the interest and welfare of the men at heart.
Our part first crossed in 1981 @ Ajegunle Police station,Lagos. He was my DPO as a Superintendent of Police, while myself was an Asst. Superintendent of Police and the DCO,from there our friendship started. Tafa studied political science from University of Lagos and graduated in 1971. He enlisted as a cadet ASP course 3 in April 1973 . He won the sword of honour as the Best graduating officer of that year. He rose rapidly in the Force and became the first officer to hold the Office of the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP , Muhammadu Gambo when the office was created sometime in 1987. He also studied Law at the University of Lagos and graduated with a 2nd Class Upper Division in 1989 and was called to the Bar in 1990. He was pioneer Commissioner of Police in Delta state . He was also Commissioner of Police for Rivers, Abia states, and CP personnel .
He attended the war college and came out in flying colours as the 1st Non military personnel to win the Commandants prize for the best Essay in the College that year. He became the Asst Inspector Gen in charge Zone 1 Kano from where he was appointed as the 11th indigenous IGP on 6th March 2002 and retired 17th January 2005 .Mr. Balogun, was a good manager of men and resources. He realised the enormous task ahead of him , he quickly assembled some capable persons in and out of the police to help drive his project. He formed a think tank team headed by Late Prof Odekunle, Mr Fidelix Oyakhilome,Mr. MA Yesufu then CP Kaduna and Mr Ernest Ebhaze , CP as members of the think tank .
It was during his time the dreaded OPERATION FIRE FOR FIRE WAS Launched. He expanded the mobile Squadron from 4 units to 8. He established the Pmf training School at Ila oragun. It was him who introduced the Community Policing. It was also during his period the promotion of members of the Rank and File became more regular, thus removing the frustration. He knew how to make use of the very best to achieve his goals. He appointed the present Chairman of the PSC, DR Solomon Arase, as his PSO and late Chris Olakpe his PPRO. His achievements in the police Force were monumental that he would long be spoken of by many in complimentary terms.
On my part, I will forever be grateful to him. I thank God I was able to speak with him on his sick bed two days to his passing to eternal glory. Almighty Allah, grant Alhaji Mustapha Adebayo Balogun Aljana firdsusi. Make paradise his permanent place of abode, over look his short comings, Save him from the torment of the hell fire. Accept all his good deeds on earth and protect his loved ones and the immediate family he left behind Ameen.
Mohammed Aminu Yesufu mni is a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police
