The Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, has said that accountability will be the cornerstone of his tenure as the Inspector General of Police.
He said this on Wednesday, during his inaugural speech at the handing and taking over ceremony as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force.
He reiterated his commitment to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the Police Force.
“We will prioritize new ways of recruiting, training, and equipping our officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently and with excellence, and this we will do to the admiration of the people that we serve, Egbetokun said.
He acknowledged Nigerians’ deep-rooted concerns and grievances against the police, especially misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power that have eroded public trust.
The IGP declared that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his watch and that there would be proactive steps to instill discipline across the ranks.
The statement read partially, “To regain the trust of the Nigerian people, we will establish a robust internal system to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Police Force. We will hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust amongst us, ensuring that they face the full force of the law. Additionally, we will actively promote a working culture that will encourage officers and citizens alike to report instances of corruption or abuse they may witness.Â
“Our Police Force will be a beacon of integrity. We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Henceforth, every police officer will be selected not only for their skills but also for their compassion, empathy, and commitment to public service. We will invest in innovative ways to foster ongoing training, promoting a culture of continuous learning where we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and the challenges of our times.
“Furthermore, we will embark on an ambitious and visible program of community policing. We recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the safety and well-being of our communities. To achieve this, we will forge stronger ties between the police and the public, fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation. Regular citizen engagement and community interaction programs will create meaningful dialogue and collaboration opportunities.
“Change does not happen overnight, but with each step, we will be closer to our vision of a safe, inclusive, and harmonious nation. I ask you to join hands with us and stand beside us as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can build a police force that reflects the hopes and dreams of our citizens.
“Let us rekindle the spirit of unity, understanding that we are all in this together. Let us be the change we want to see, inspiring others through our actions and embracing the power of compassion, respect, and empathy. Through this collective effort, we will create a legacy worthy of future emulation.
“The fight against crime and insecurity will also be a top priority, as will the welfare of our officers. We will strengthen our intelligence-gathering capabilities, bolster inter-agency cooperation, and enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats. In the coming days and weeks, we will unveil plans and strategies to secure the nation and build enduring peace across our communities. We are the Nigeria Police Force, and we will live up to our constitutional obligation as the primary agency for internal peace in Nigeria. We will be bold about this duty. We will also adopt a technology-driven approach to law enforcement, leveraging modern tools and techniques to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of our resources.
“New policies to promote the welfare of officers will be implemented in the months ahead. We will provide support structures for our police officers that will cater to their peculiar physical, psychological, and emotional needs as law enforcement officers. We will introduce unprecedented well-being programs to strengthen the hearts and minds of every officer.
The IGP called on all Nigerians to partner with the Police in this transformative journey.
“The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we stand together as a united front. I encourage every Nigerian to embrace civic duty, report suspicious activities, and work hand in hand with the police to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law as he promised that the Nigeria Police Force, under his leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability.
“Together, we will rebuild public trust, restore confidence in our law enforcement institutions, and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, protected, and respected.
He promised to unveil new tactics to unleash the great potential of the Nigeria Police Force in securing the country, building lasting peace, and delivering on the vision of Mr. President.
