Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Home Blog Page 36

IGP Egbetokun’s Exemplary Commitment To Police Welfare

Swift Reporters
-
0
IGP Egbetokun’s Exemplary Commitment To Police Welfare

By Adewole Kehinde

“Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge”. – Simon Sinek

The recent disbursement of N2.2 billion to 1,574 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased officers under the 11th phase of the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes marks yet another milestone in the administration of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

This singular act cleared a backlog of 10 years of arrears, spanning from 2015 to 2025, and brought much-needed relief to families who had waited far too long for justice and support.

Since assuming office as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare of officers and their families.

By disbursing a cumulative N24.2 billion to 9,735 families of fallen heroes, he has sent a strong and compassionate message: the sacrifices of those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation will never be forgotten.

What makes this gesture remarkable is not just the financial assistance extended, but the humanity and trust it represents. It is more than a statutory duty; it is a sacred trust, a solemn vow to ensure that the memory of our departed officers remains alive and their families are not left behind. It is a reassurance that service to the nation under the banner of the Nigeria Police Force is not in vain.

The welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, whether serving, retired, or departed, has clearly become a cardinal priority under IGP Egbetokun’s administration. His leadership reflects empathy, responsibility, and a vision for a police institution that truly values its people.

Special commendation must also go to the Force Insurance Unit, under the capable leadership of ACP Lydia Ameh, whose diligence and professionalism made this exercise a reality.

Her tireless commitment underscores the importance of dedicated officers working behind the scenes to make life better for the larger police family.

Equally deserving of appreciation is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose steadfast support for police welfare has created the enabling environment for these remarkable interventions.

His leadership continues to strengthen the morale of the police force and restore confidence in the government’s resolve to care for those who serve.

As IGP Egbetokun continues to champion the welfare of officers, both living and departed, I can only pray that God continues to bless the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police himself for making the well-being of police families a priority.

 

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. @kennyadewole @kennyadewole@gmail.com

PSC Chairman Pays Tribute To Late Dr. Solomon Arase At Night Of Tributes

Swift Reporters
-
0
PSC Chairman Pays Tribute To Late Dr. Solomon Arase At Night Of Tributes

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) has paid glowing tribute to the former Inspector General of Police and immediate past Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, describing him as a reformer, mentor, and patriot who left an indelible mark on policing in Nigeria.

The tribute, delivered on behalf of the Chairman by Aminu Malumfashi, Director of Human Resource Management, was read during the Night of Tributes held in honour of the late Arase.

The PSC Chairman said Dr. Arase dedicated his life to the service of the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, combining courage, intellect, and humility in his leadership. He noted that as Inspector General of Police and later as Chairman of the PSC, Dr. Arase championed professionalism, discipline, and integrity within the Force.

“His tenure at the Commission may have been short, but it was deeply impactful. He relocated the Commission’s headquarters to its permanent home in Jabi, Abuja, stabilized its operations, strengthened its oversight role, and built bridges of trust between the Police and the public,” the tribute read.

He added that Dr. Arase’s leadership was marked by vision, inclusiveness, and dialogue, while his colleagues saw him as more than a Chairman—“he was a mentor, a brother, and a guide.”

The PSC Chairman emphasized that Dr. Arase’s greatness lay not in the length of his days but in the depth of his impact, describing him as a shining light in the history of policing in Nigeria.

On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the PSC, condolences were extended to his wife, children, and family, with prayers for strength to bear the loss.

“Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase will be remembered as a patriot who lived for justice, fairness, and peace. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.

IGP Egbetokun Presents Over ₦2.1bn In Group Life Assurance Cheques To Families Of Fallen Police Officers

Swift Reporters
-
0
IGP Egbetokun Presents Over ₦2.1bn In Group Life Assurance Cheques To Families Of Fallen Police Officers

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, presented Group Life Assurance and welfare cheques worth N₦2,171,124,041.87 to families of deceased police officers at a ceremony held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to the IGP, the disbursement benefited 1,574 next-of-kin of officers who died in active service between 2015 and 2025. The cheques also included recoveries of long-standing claims that had remained unresolved for nearly a decade.

Egbetokun noted that the exercise, now in its 11th phase since his assumption of office, has so far seen the Police Force disburse a cumulative N24.2 billion to 9,735 families of fallen heroes. He described the initiative as more than a statutory responsibility, stressing that it represents a “sacred trust” to honour the memory of departed officers and support their families.

“This ceremony is not just another official function. It is a solemn duty of remembrance and responsibility. Behind every badge is a family that bears the weight of sacrifice — and those families will never be forgotten,” he said.

The IGP assured that the welfare of serving, retired, and departed officers remains a top priority of his administration. He highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening welfare systems, digitising processes, and ensuring prompt payment of entitlements to families of deceased personnel.

Egbetokun commended the Force Insurance Unit for its professionalism and tireless work in redeeming outstanding claims, while urging insurance partners to continue discharging their obligations promptly. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Ministry of Police Affairs for their continued support of police welfare.

“To the families here today, I extend my deepest condolences. We know the void left by your loved ones cannot be filled by any monetary sum. Yet, these cheques are a symbol of our collective gratitude and a pledge that you remain part of the Nigeria Police family,” he added.

The IGP concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers, and comfort for their families, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to uphold the values of courage, honour, and integrity.

PSC Mandate Is Geared Towards One Goal; Building A Professional And Ethical Police Force, Argungu

Swift Reporters
-
0
PSC Mandate Is Geared Towards One Goal; Building A Professional And Ethical Police Force, Argungu

….tells participants of strategic leadership and change management, Retreat for DPOs,

….says Commission will continue to partner with Force Leadership to ensure ethical Officers are recognised, rewarded and protected

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) today, Wednesday, September 24th 2025, told participants of a Strategic leadership and change management Retreat for Divisional Police Officers, DPOs of the Nigeria Police that the Commission’s mandate of appointment, promotion and Discipline is “fundamentally geared towards one goal which is building a professional and ethical Police Force.

According to a press release on Wednesday 24th September 2025, signed by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, DIG Argungu said the Commission is committed to ensuring that promotions are based on merit, integrity, and professional competence; applying disciplinary measures firmly and fairly against Officers and advocating for better welfare and working conditions since “it is difficult to be ethical when under immense financial pressure”.

The Commission he noted is also committed to working with the Nigeria Police Force leadership to ensure that the ethical Officers, are recognised, rewarded, and protected.

The PSC Chairman delivered a lecture titled “Ethics And Professionalism: Bedrock of Policing Code of conduct “at the Retreat which held at the National Institute of Police Studies , Life Camp Abuja and organized by the Police Reform Secretariat in conjunction with UNDP, CLEEN FOUNDATION, GS-Foundation, Federal Foreign Office and Nigeria Police Force.

He observed that it is important for Police Officers to study ethics since “Ethics and professionalism are bedrock of Policing code of conducts”.

According to the PSC Chairman ” Ethics are of paramount importance in policing duties because they are foundational to building public trust, ensuring policing legitimacy, upholding the rule of law and maintaining accountability.

DIG Argungu said as public servants, with immense authority, law enforcement Officers, must adhere to a strict ethical code to function effectively and justly within a democratic society and also exercise its discretion justly.

Ex-raying the uniqueness of Policing job, the PSC Chairman said the Nigeria Police Force is generally the only government security agency available everyday, and around the clock.

He declared, ” when government offices close, the Nigeria Police Force become roving representatives of the government who assist people with problems no one else is available to handle; when your neighbour’s dog barks all night and keep awake, you call the Police; when gun shot is heard, people call the police; when extraordinary sound is heard at 02:00 hours in the night, people call the Police; the Police respond and take whatever action they can to ameliorate problems and deal with emergencies; people sleep peaceably in their beds, at night only because the police stand ready to do patrol on their behalf ;

DIG Argungu traced the standards of conduct of Police Officers to include offering prompt obedience to lawful orders; determined and incorruptible in the exercise of his Police duties; strict regard to the correctness of his general behaviour and prompt pride in his appearance both in uniform and out of uniform.

Gombe Ranks 2nd Nationally In Fiscal Transparency, Scores Impressive 99 Points

Swift Reporters
-
0
Gombe Ranks 2nd Nationally In Fiscal Transparency, Scores Impressive 99 Points

…’ Gov. Inuwa Yahaya’s Open Governance, Transparency Set the Standard’

…BudgIT hails state’s fiscal openness, timely budget reporting, public access to financial data

Gombe State has once again been recognised as a top-tier performer in fiscal transparency and accountability, ranking 2nd nationwide with an impressive 99 out of 100 points, according to BudgIT’s latest Subnational Transparency Assessment.

The ranking, which evaluated fiscal transparency across the 36 states and the FCT in the second quarter of 2025, placed Gombe among the “Progressive Performers”, second only to Ekiti State, which led with a single point higher.

The report attributed this remarkable performance to Gombe State’s “strong commitment to openness and accountability” in implementing projects and policies under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

Gombe excelled particularly in the timely publication of critical fiscal documents, including its Approved Budget, Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Citizens’ Budget, and Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports (BIRs).

“The state also stood out for maintaining an updated e-procurement portal and a functional website with fiscal data, ensuring easy public access to financial information,” the report noted.

This unprecedented achievement reflects the sustained efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who has made open governance and transparency in policy and project implementation a cornerstone of his leadership.

The Governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability is instilling fiscal discipline and giving citizens clear insight into how their resources are being managed and spent.

In a country where fiscal secrecy often hinders progress, Gombe State’s strides have positioned it as a model of transparency and smart resource management. Its commitment to good governance is winning the trust of citizens, attracting investors and drawing in support from development partners.

With Gombe already excelling in most of the indices, the State is on course to maintain its leadership in fiscal transparency and continue to be a benchmark for governance reforms across Nigeria.

NDDC Trains 180 Women Entrepreneurs in Niger Delta

Swift Reporters
-
0
NDDC Trains 180 Women Entrepreneurs in Niger Delta

A total of 180 women entrepreneurs from across the Niger Delta region have commenced a business development training programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in collaboration with the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt Chapter.

Speaking during the commencement of the training at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of women-led businesses, improve financial literacy and promote economic independence among women in the region.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, stated that empowering women has a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and the nation.

He noted: “When you empower a woman, you empower the family, and by extension, the nation. That is why the NDDC management graciously approved this programme. Since the inception of this administration, there has been relative peace in the Niger Delta. I am sure that before you complete this training, you will learn something beneficial that will impact your business.”

L-R: NDDC Prof. Victor Anucha; the President, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria, Dr Osioma Onwo; the Pioneer Chairman, Obio/Akpo District Society, ICAN, Dr. Chioma Ojukwu, and the CID Director Il, Mr. Friday Ehiorobo, during the flag-Off Ceremony of the NDDC Training for Niger Delta Women Entrepreneurs in Port Harcourt

He urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity to improve themselves.

Also speaking at the event, the NDDC Director 2, Commercial and Industrial Development, Mr Friday Ehiorobe, said that the training was part of the Commission’s efforts to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to support entrepreneurs and develop local capacity.

“We are here today to teach you bookkeeping and how to manage your businesses. This training is possible because the MD/CEO, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, is deeply committed to the well-being of men, women and youths, especially from the Niger Delta. Today, our focus is on women who run micro, small, and medium enterprises,” he said.

Ehiorobe urged the participants to take the training seriously, assuring them that the skills acquired would enhance the sustainability and profitability of their businesses.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Chapter Mrs. Isioma Onwo, , said the training curriculum was developed to equip participants with practical skills in bookkeeping, financial literacy, tax awareness, and the use of accounting tools such as Excel and QuickBooks.

“By the end of our time together, you will be able to confidently keep proper records and gain insight into key areas that support the sustainability of your businesses,” she said.

L

FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum Hails Minister Wike For Transformational Leadership In The Capital Territory

Swift Reporters
-
0
FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum Hails Minister Wike For Transformational Leadership In The Capital Territory

The FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum has commended the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for what it described as unprecedented infrastructural development and inclusive governance since his assumption of office.

In a statement signed by its convener, Comrade Zakari Gambo Babale, the forum lauded the Minister’s “dynamic leadership and people-oriented vision” which, it said, has brought visible transformation across the territory.

According to the group, never since the nation’s capital was relocated to Abuja has the city witnessed the scale of infrastructural growth now being delivered. Projects cited include expansive road networks, school rehabilitation, youth centres, water projects, street lighting, and the ongoing renovation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

The forum also praised Wike’s reforms in the FCT civil service, noting the elevation of staff to the ranks of Permanent Secretaries and the historic appointment of the late Mrs. Grace Adayilo as the first female Head of Service. Her state burial, it added, reflected the Minister’s compassionate leadership and respect for service.

Equally highlighted were the appointments of Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Ango and Hon. Lawrence Bitrus Garki into the FCT Executive Council, which the forum described as “a bold step towards inclusive development and grassroots participation.”

“Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is being actualized in the FCT through the Minister’s visionary leadership,” the statement read. The group pledged continued support and collaboration with the FCT Administration, while also reaffirming its readiness to mobilize towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

IGP Egbetokun Warns Against Attacks On Police Officers

Swift Reporters
-
0
IGP Egbetokun Warns Against Attacks On Police Officers

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has warned that the Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate unprovoked attacks on its officers by agents of destabilisation across the country.

Egbetokun gave the warning yesterday in Abuja during a conference with senior strategic officers, following the killing of 11 police personnel in Katsina Ala, Benue State.

On September 19, three officers were killed in an attack by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre. Authorities later recovered eight more bodies from the ambush site on September 22, bringing the total death toll to 11.

Condemning the incident, the IGP stressed that assaults on police officers performing lawful duties are unacceptable. He urged citizens with complaints against the conduct of officers to seek redress through established channels rather than resorting to violence.

“Every state has a Commissioner of Police, every division a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and every area an Area Commander. We also have Complaint Response Units across all police formations whose contacts have been publicised several times,” Egbetokun said.

He assured the public that reports of misconduct against officers would not be ignored, adding that disciplinary measures would be enforced where necessary.

Proposed PIA Amendment: A Note Of Caution

Swift Reporters
-
0
Proposed PIA Amendment: A Note Of Caution

By Ben Ekori

In spite of the seeming chaos that governs most of what we do in Nigeria, there is an observable symmetry in the way government policies are communicated to the citizenry. It is not clear if the pattern of communication is by design, but is has become so regular that any serious-minded citizen would discountenance it at his own detriment. It often starts with snippets of information on the intended policy circulating in the rumour mill. Then it makes its way into the digital/online media and progresses into the traditional media (especially the print media). Having transformed from rumour into news, this is usually the point where the relevant ministry or agency comes up to deny, confirm, modify, or shed more light on it, depending on the position of the administration.

The information about the plan to amend the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 has been going through that cycle over the past few weeks. It has transformed from a virile rumour into a potent news. The only segment of the metamorphosis it is yet to undergo, like an insect, before it either dies or grows wings to fly into the realm of policy, is the denial or confirmation stage. One critical aspect of the communication pattern, as has been observed over the years, is that if there is no substance in the news, the denial comes very swiftly. That the news of the proposed amendment of the PIA has been in the public space for a full week without denial could only mean that there could be some substance in it.

While we await the confirmation of the news and its ultimate metamorphosis into a policy of the Federal Government, it is pertinent to x-ray some of the provisions the proposed amendment appears to have been designed to bring about and their implications for Nigeria and its citizens. From what has been reported in the media so far, the proposed amendment which has been reported to be sponsored by the Ministry of Finance is designed with the objective of addressing the “escalating fiscal leakages and revenue loss confronting the Federation.” The reports also indicate that areas targeted for amendment include Section 8 which establishes the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as the body charged with the regulation of upstream operations.

The amendment, according to the reports, would see the NUPRC replacing the NNPC Ltd as the representative of the government in all model contracts attached to licenses and leases provided for in Section 85. This would mean that the NUPRC would become the concessionaire in all existing Production Sharing Contracts, Profit Sharing Contracts, and Risk Service Contracts. Section 53 of the PIA is also slated for amendment to make the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) the sole owner of the shares of the NNPC Ltd as against the extant situation where the company’s shares are split 50:50 between MOFI and the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated.

In trying to analyse the implications of the above proposed amendments to the PIA, it would be nice to understand what the situation was prior to the passage of the PIA. It is not news that the oil and gas sector is one of the foremost revenue earners for the Federal Government and the Nigerian Federation. This makes it a sector of prime interest to every administration, especially when there are gaps between projected and realised/actual revenues. This was what led the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration to set up the Oil and Gas Sector Reform Committee (OGSRC) in 2000 to look at why the industry was consistently not meeting revenue targets and recommend solutions. Amongst the numerous observations of the committee were that some of the laws that governed the industry were not only obsolete but also created uncertainty which made prospective investors wary of committing capital to further asset development projects.

The work of the OGSRC laid the foundation for the Petroleum Industry Bill which took almost 20 years to pass due to politics. For the whole of the period that the PIB lagged, Nigeria regressed as a prime investment destination as most of the International Oil Companies refrained from big ticket investments that could boost production, preferring to mark time by managing already existing assets without making further commitment in terms of capital injection. This was because there was no clarity around the fiscal terms upon which investment decisions could be taken.

Another critical area that bred uncertainty, apart from the fiscal terms, was the lack of clear delineation of roles amongst agencies in the sector. Of particular notoriety was the dual role of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as an operator and regulator, a situation that made the old NNPC like a judge in its own court when in dispute with Joint Venture and PSC partners.

The enactment of the PIA in 2021 has successfully put paid to issues of uncertainty in the system and has gradually begun to restore investors’ confidence. Investors may not have started falling over themselves over opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and gas sector yet, but the reports show that things are not the same as they were in the pre-PIA era. In fact, a recent report credited to the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, put the investments in field development plans at $18bn.

The NUPRC boss who spoke at the Africa Energy Week in Accra, Ghana, disclosed that: “In 2025 alone, the commission has approved 28 new field development plans, unlocking 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 TCF of gas, adding an expected 591,000 barrels of oil per day and 2.1 BSCFD of gas. These FDPs, with $18.2 billion in CAPEX commitments, underscore Nigeria’s transformation into one of the most dynamic and attractive upstream investment frontiers in the world.

“Other results include the $5 billion FID for the Bonga North deep offshore development and the $500 million Ubeta Gas Project signal renewed long-term commitments, with additional FIDs expected in projects like HI NAG Development, Ima Gas, Owowo Deep Offshore, and Preowei Fields.”

The proposed amendment to make the NUPRC the concessionaire in place of the NNPC Ltd appears to be a reintroduction of uncertainty into the system, with the NUPRC serving as a regulator and an operator at the same time.

This would definitely lead to erosion of investors’ confidence, as it would be an overstretch of the imagination to expect PSC partners to believe that they could get justice if a dispute broke out between them and the concessionaire (NUPRC), which is also the regulator.

The sponsors of the amendment need to carefully consider the impact that this proposed provision could have on investors’ confidence. It would be counterproductive to introduce an amendment into a law that could totally negate what the law is fundamentally designed to achieve.

The proposed amendment to have the NUPRC serve as concessionaire could also present grave unintended legal implications for the country. A direct agency of government playing the concessionaire role could inadvertently expose the Nigerian Federation to litigation that could involve forfeiting national assets globally if disputes get out of hand. With NNPC Ltd serving as the concessionaire, the Federation is insulated from legal hazards, and there would be limits to liabilities from legal infractions. The sponsors of the amendment would do well to look closely at the legal risk that the proposed amendment holds for the country before going ahead with it.

The other proposed amendment that could have grave implications for the nation in general, and the national oil company in particular, is the provision that seeks to transfer all the shares of the NNPC Ltd to the MOFI. The PIA provides for the NNPC Ltd to commence a process of listing on the capital market as part of deepening its commercial focus. Transferring all the shares to one government entity at a time when activities should be in high gear for the company’s Initial Public Offering creates the impression that the government does not want to let the company go. The move has the potential of reversing the modest gain of having the company operate as a true limited liability company without direct government control or interference.

It is really difficult to understand how pushing the NNPC Ltd deeper into the government’s control could help plug fiscal leakages when the real reason the company has failed to live up to its full potential over the years is government or political interference. Whatever may be the immediate reasons for contemplating the amendments to the PIA, it behoves the sponsors to understand that laws should not just be made for a season or to serve parochial interests. No matter the ‘noble’ interests the proposed amendments are designed to serve today, the sponsors may not be there tomorrow when those same provisions would be used by others for purposes that could undermine national progress and development.

 

Ben Ekori, a social commentator and public affairs analyst, wrote this piece from Lagos.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun: Setting A New Standard In Strategic Policing

Swift Reporters
-
0
IGP Kayode Egbetokun: Setting A New Standard In Strategic Policing

By Adewole Kehinde

“One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency.” — Arnold H. Glasow

On Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, once again demonstrated his visionary leadership as he convened a crucial conference with Strategic Police Officers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The engagement was not only timely but also a powerful reminder that policing in Nigeria demands both introspection and innovation.

One cannot help but commend the IGP for his improved command posture, which is increasingly evident across the country.

The Nigeria Police Force, under his stewardship, has displayed more coherent tactical responses to emerging threats and a clearer demonstration of supervisory presence at critical flashpoints.

This proactive stance is rebuilding confidence among citizens and reinforcing the fact that leadership at the top is indeed translating into performance on the ground.

What stands out most is the humility and honesty of the IGP in admitting that the Force is still some distance from the ideal.

He acknowledged that there is more work to be done, and there could be no better forum than this conference to critically determine how. This candour is the mark of a leader who understands that progress is not an event but a process, and that growth comes from continuous improvement.

The IGP was right in stressing that policing in Nigeria is undergoing a period of intense complexity. Threats today are no longer localised or predictable; they evolve rapidly and often overlap. As he rightly pointed out, the nation is confronting hybrid criminal actors who combine physical violence with cyber tactics, local knowledge with transnational reach, and petty motives with ideological undertones. 

Armed banditry, secessionist violence, ritual killings, financial fraud, gender-based crimes, and electoral violence all compete simultaneously for police attention, stretching resources and demanding strategic agility.

Equally commendable is the IGP’s acknowledgement that the police mindset must evolve. Coordination must be seamless. Leadership must be visible and deliberate, not just within Commands but across the national law enforcement architecture.

His insistence that Command Police Commissioners and Zonal AIGs must stop delaying or underreporting breakthroughs is an urgent reminder. When successes are muted or hidden, the Force loses the opportunity to build national narratives of competence and resilience.

Public trust is not only earned in the field but reinforced in how progress is reported, shared, and demonstrated.

It is also worth noting the IGP’s firm stance that the Nigeria Police Force is not, and will never be, an enforcer for private interests. His unambiguous rejection of officers meddling in civil claims, escorting parties for land recovery, or disrupting legitimate occupations without a clear criminal basis underscores his commitment to professionalism and integrity. This is the kind of clarity that sets boundaries and restores dignity to the badge.

Perhaps the most inspiring moment of the conference was the IGP’s charge to his officers: “Let your next decision prove that you understood the charge of leadership. Let your next action reaffirm the public’s trust. Let your next report reflect vision, not just compliance.

We owe our officers in the field clarity. We owe our citizens protection. We owe our badge integrity. Above all, we owe this nation a Police Force that does not falter, even when others do.”

This is a rallying call that must not be taken lightly. It is a mandate for every officer to embody the values of service, integrity, and accountability.

The IGP must be commended for the crime reduction, as between 31st July and today, the police arrested a total of four thousand, three hundred and eighty-three (4,383) suspects across the country for various offences. These included four hundred and eighty-one (481) armed robbery suspects, two hundred and sixty (260) kidnappers, three hundred and seventy-one

(371) for murder or culpable homicide, and one hundred and sixty-one (161) for unlawful possession of firearms. We also arrested three hundred and twenty-two (322) suspected rapists, three hundred and seventy-five (375) cultists, and two thousand, four hundred and thirteen (2,413) others for various serious crimes. In the same period, we recovered seven hundred and sixteen (716) assorted firearms, twenty-one thousand, two hundred and thirty-eight (21,238) rounds of ammunition, and two hundred and twelve (212) vehicles.

Furthermore, one thousand, one hundred and thirty-eight (1,138) kidnapped victims were rescued.

During the August by-elections in Kano, 333 suspects were apprehended for offences including conspiracy, intimidation, and snatching of electoral materials. Exhibits recovered included firearms, machetes, and over four million naira in cash.

In Zamfara, the arrest of 13 bandit collaborators and rescue of 19 kidnapped victims on 12th September further reinforced our expanding operational footprint in high-risk corridors. What these operations reveal is that when Commands are aligned, supported, and purpose-driven, the results are swift and decisive.

I must also applaud the IGP for mandating the following as we approach the final quarter of the year:

* Zonal AIGs must activate multi-layered visibility policing frameworks.

* CPs must monitor and respond to threats beyond urban centres.

* Tactical teams should patrol not just highways but feeder routes and forest corridors.

* Community engagement must be intensified — not just in volume, but in sincerity.

As I commend IGP Egbetokun for his visionary leadership, I must also remind Command Police Commissioners and Zonal AIGs that leadership is not about titles but about actions. The future of policing in Nigeria will be defined not by the challenges they face but by the resolve with which they confront them.

With IGP Egbetokun at the helm, there is renewed hope that the Nigeria Police Force will rise above its past limitations to become a truly professional, trusted, and resilient institution.

 

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. @kennyadewole. kennyadewole@gmail.com

1...353637...1,675Page 36 of 1,675

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Swift Reporters is a digital news platform based in Nigeria, delivering robust coverage of national affairs

Contact us: contact@yoursite.com

FOLLOW US

© Swift Reporters