By Adewole Kehinde
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” Winston Churchill
In a time when Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun’s vision stands as a beacon of hope and transformation.
No wonder on Tuesday, 24th December 2024, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, conducted a comprehensive review of Nigeria Police operations throughout the outgoing year, assessed its achievements, and presented a clear scorecard of its successes.
IGP Egbetokun is a man who is working to ensure that Nigeria deserves a professionally competent and people-friendly police service driven by the rule of law.
It has always been his desire to have a well-positioned and respected police force that will respond to the dynamics of crime in the country.
I recall his statement on 24 November 2023 at the Kwara State Police Command, where he said, “To achieve this vision, we will intensify training and recruitment to meet the challenges on the ground.
“There is hope for the Nigeria Police Force; we are going to increase the strength of the police.
“We are paying attention to training; very soon, a program is underway to ensure policemen undergo training once a year.
“Welfare will be improved, apart from salary increments, particularly improvements on the pension scheme.
“My plan for the Police Pension Scheme is to ensure that when you retire, you still get your salary.”
Egbetokun assured that all logistics needed by the police to do their job effectively will be provided.
Throughout 2024, the Nigeria police under IGP Egbetokun made substantial strides in enhancing the safety and security of Nigerians.
Police officers displayed remarkable dedication in combating criminal activities across urban and rural areas. The Nigeria police made significant progress in reducing crime, ensuring public safety, and improving service delivery.
In 2024, the Nigeria Police achieved major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for a range of serious offences, including kidnapping, cultism, murder, rape, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. Also, the police recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, and 1,438 stolen vehicles and rescued 1,581 kidnapped victims.
These accomplishments reflect Nigeria police’s firm commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
In the fight against criminalities, Nigeria police intensified their efforts and achieved substantial success. A prime example is the rescue of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals on June 30, 2024, in Ogun State. Despite being ambushed by gunfire, the victims were safely rescued, and two kidnappers were neutralised in a subsequent raid. Nigeria police also recovered five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication equipment. This operation demonstrates the Nigeria police’s capacity to combat kidnapping and criminal enterprises effectively.
In its fight against terrorism financing and money laundering, the Nigeria Police took bold steps, including the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit. On December 8, 2024, operatives in Kano State uncovered counterfeit currencies and ATM cards, alongside a staggering N129 billion in various counterfeit currencies. This operation underscores our determination to combat financial crimes that fuel terrorism and organised criminal activity.
The Nigeria police fight against economic sabotage yielded impressive results. The IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering intercepted significant quantities of crude oil, AGO, and PMS in July, recovering large amounts of stolen petroleum products and arresting 17 suspects across multiple operations.
Its efforts to tackle armed robbery and cultism also made headway. On May 20, 2024, a joint tactical team raided a cultist hideout in Edo State, seizing a large cache of weapons and ammunition. While some suspects fled, its pursuit remains active to apprehend those responsible.
In the fight against illicit firearms trafficking, the Nigeria Police achieved a significant breakthrough in February 2024 when operatives arrested nine individuals in Plateau State involved in the trans-border arms trade. We seized weapons, including AK-47 rifles and automatic pistols, along with over 1,800 rounds of live ammunition.
The National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) also made considerable strides in cybercrime enforcement. Detectives uncovered a major fraud operation, recovering N3.9 billion and arresting individuals linked to a multi-bank scam. In November, a coordinated raid led to the capture of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, involved in global cybercrime operations.
Likewise, the Force Marine Unit played an essential role in maintaining security across Nigeria’s inland waterways. With the introduction of 23 advanced gunboats, its maritime security capacity has been significantly enhanced, allowing it to better combat smuggling, piracy, and other crimes at sea.
Throughout 2024, the Nigeria Police launched several key initiatives to strengthen its operational capacity, including the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Safe School Protection Squad (SSPS), and the commissioning of the National Cybercrime Centre.
The Force also prioritised professional development, holding workshops, commissioning new training facilities, and launching new security programs to enhance the skills of our officers.
The most significant is the welfare of Nigeria police officers, both serving and retired, which has remained a top priority. The federal government’s recent review of the national minimum wage has benefitted all public officers, including our police personnel.
Additionally, the launch of the Nigeria Police Insurance Company aims to improve its officers’ insurance and welfare packages. Over N12 billion in insurance payouts have been distributed to 4,223 beneficiaries of the NPF Group Life Insurance Scheme.
In 2024, the Nigeria Police continued its commitment to international collaboration, working with global security agencies such as the British National Crime Agency, Dubai Police, and INTERPOL to tackle transnational crime.
At the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow, the Nigeria Police engaged in high-level discussions that led to initiatives aimed at addressing global security challenges.
The Nigeria Police also made an impact on the sports front. Its officers participated in the 13th All Africa Games and achieved remarkable success, winning multiple medals. Notably, Woman Corporal Oka Eworo won 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals at the African Aquatics Zone 2 Swimming Championship, while Woman Corporal Juliet Chukwu emerged as the EFC World Bantamweight Champion in Mixed Martial Arts.
As Nigeria’s police move forward into 2025, it cannot afford to rest on its laurels. The evolving security landscape demands innovation and adaptability. The IGP has reiterated that it will prioritise strengthening cybersecurity, countering terrorism, enhancing community policing, and professionalising the force.
The welfare of officers should remain at the forefront, ensuring that they have the tools, resources, and support needed to excel.
The performance of the Nigeria Police in 2025 depends on the federal government to equip officers with the skills, mindset, and tools necessary to meet emerging threats.
When this is done, we can be proud of a transformed Nigeria Police Force with a modern, effective, and trusted institution.
The future of Nigeria’s security system is looking brighter, and the massive reform projects of IGP Kayode Egbetokun are just the beginning. With continued investment in security infrastructure, Nigeria is well on its way to becoming a more connected, prosperous, and secure nation.
The vision set out by IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the Renewed Hope administration is clear: deliver the security system Nigerians deserve, enhance economic opportunities, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
The massive reform projects of IGP Kayode Egbetokun are a key part of that vision, and with the unwavering dedication of all those involved, it will be delivered as promised—transforming Nigeria’s security landscape for generations to come.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846 kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
