IGP KAM SELEM: Nigeria’s Second Inspector General of Police Who Led Through A Decade Of Turmoil

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FROM Bama to the nation’s highest policing office, Kam Selem guided the Nigeria Police Force through coups, civil war, and national transformation.

Early Life and Background

Kamaluddeen Selem, popularly known as Kam Selem, was born in Bama, located in present-day Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. A proud Kanuri man, Selem grew up in a region known for its deep Islamic scholarship and historical prominence as part of the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire.

His early education took place in northern Nigeria, where he excelled academically and later joined the colonial police service during the final years of British rule.

Selem’s early years in the force reflected a mix of discipline, humility, and intellectual capacity — qualities that would later define his leadership. He rose steadily through the ranks, becoming one of the few Nigerians to reach senior positions before independence.

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Career and Rise in the Nigeria Police Force

Kam Selem joined the Nigeria Police Force during the colonial era, a time when British officers occupied nearly all senior positions. His commitment to professionalism and fairness earned him recognition, and he was one of the few indigenous officers selected for advanced police training abroad.

By the early 1960s, Nigeria had gained independence, and Selem emerged as part of a new generation of Nigerian officers shaping the country’s law enforcement system.

His leadership potential became evident, and following the retirement of Louis Edet, Nigeria’s first indigenous Inspector General of Police, Selem was appointed as his successor in 1966 — making him the second Nigerian to head the Police Force.

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Inspector General During a Critical Era (1966–1975)

Kam Selem’s tenure as Inspector General of Police (IGP) spanned one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history. He assumed office just as the nation was plunged into political instability following the first military coup in January 1966, which led to the death of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and other key leaders.

Only months later, Nigeria experienced a counter-coup in July 1966, which deepened regional and ethnic divisions and eventually led to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

Through these years of crisis, Selem worked to maintain law and order amidst chaos. The Nigeria Police Force under his command played a crucial role in protecting civilians, enforcing emergency regulations, and assisting the military government in restoring security.

Despite limited resources and immense political pressure, Selem’s leadership was defined by restraint, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty.

He also supervised the reorganisation of the Police Force during wartime, modernising its structure and improving communication between regional commands. His emphasis on discipline and impartiality earned him respect from both colleagues and the public.

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Later Years and Legacy

After serving as Inspector General for nearly nine years, Kam Selem retired from the Nigeria Police Force in 1975, making his tenure one of the longest in the institution’s history. His years of service were marked by resilience and quiet dedication rather than public flamboyance.

He remained an influential figure in Nigeria’s law enforcement community and was remembered for his integrity, administrative skills, and calm leadership during national crises.

Although not much is publicly documented about his personal life, Selem was known to be deeply family-oriented and devoted to his faith. He continued to live a private life after retirement, away from the political limelight that often surrounded his contemporaries.

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Death and National Recognition

Kam Selem passed away several years after his retirement (exact date not widely recorded), leaving behind a legacy of loyalty and service.

His contributions were acknowledged by successive generations of police officers who viewed him as a bridge between the colonial policing system and a modern, independent Nigerian force.

He is remembered as a symbol of integrity, humility, and patriotism, especially for his ability to keep the Police Force united during Nigeria’s most divisive era.

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Legacy and Impact

Kam Selem’s name endures in Nigeria’s policing history as a leader who guided the Force through coups, war, and reconstruction. His tenure established foundational practices for internal coordination and crisis management within the Police Force.

He represented a generation of leaders who valued discipline, service, and quiet strength — qualities Nigeria’s institutions continue to aspire to.

References: Nigeria Police Force Historical Records. The Guardian Nigeria archives

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