On Monday, February 24, 2025, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun highlighted that the Nigeria Police is committed to adjusting to the latest security threats to guarantee the safety and stability of all Nigerians.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the theme “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” the IGP made this claim.
He said that the fifth edition of this annual conference and retreat had to be moved for operational reasons after it was initially planned for November 2024.
“Consequently, another retreat (for this year) will take place later in 2025; hopefully, this will be hosted by one of our northern states. In conclusion, distinguished officers, the challenges before us are significant, but with strategic innovation, unwavering professionalism, and meaningful community partnerships, we will continue to make remarkable progress. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in adapting to contemporary security challenges, ensuring safety and stability for all Nigerians,” he stated.
IGP Egbetokun noted that the conference is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s security vision and underscores the determination of the NPF to cultivate a police force that is professionally competent, intelligence-driven, and equipped to confront emerging threats proactively.
He added that the gathering serves as a crucial platform for assessing our administrative and operational strategies, exchanging insights, and realigning our policing objectives with the evolving global security landscape in Nigeria.
“Over the past few years, each edition of this conference has offered valuable insights that have shaped contemporary policing in Nigeria, promoting innovation, collaboration, and best practices. In particular, the most recent conference was incredibly impactful. When we last gathered in Owerri for the fourth edition of this conference and retreat, we convened under the theme “Fostering Economic Prosperity, Social Integration, and Political Development Through Enhanced Internal Security Mechanisms.”.
“It highlighted the crucial roles of security in national development, emphasising how a secure nation promotes economic growth, strengthens social cohesion, and fosters political stability. Over the past year, we have diligently worked to implement measures that align with this vision,” he stated.
The IGP noted that as the country continues to confront complex threats like violent crimes, cyber-related offences, terrorism, and transnational organised crimes, it is important that intelligence-led policing remain at the core of its operations.
Egbetokun disclosed that the police force is committed to deepening strategic partnerships with both domestic and international security agencies while enhancing community engagement to bolster public trust and promote active citizen participation in policing.
He explained that the reorganisation of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other specialised units has been a priority, thus ensuring that force detectives operate in line with globally accepted best practices, adding that all commands and formations have been mandated to implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025.
