Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Home Blog Page 37

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

itel Launches The Best 3D-Curved Amoled Screen Smartphone In Nigeria Under N300,000; The SUPER 26 Ultra.

0

itel, a global Tech Empowerment brand ranked No.1 Smartphone Brand, has launched its new model SUPER 26 Ultra, designed for style, strength, and intelligence. It delivers a premium 144Hz curved AMOLED display, high-quality durability, and smart AI interaction, all at a price point that makes these strong features accessible to millions.

A Tech Empowerment Brand, itel Always Consider Consumers First

By leveraging an integrated global supply chain and lean operations running for over 15 years, itel continues to deliver smart life products with exceptional value, lowering smart technology barriers for consumers in emerging markets. The launch of SUPER 26 Ultra marks a milestone in itel’s brand upgrade this year, bringing AI experience into the hands of the masses and ensuring that T3-5 Tiers of users can access intelligent mobile experience with the same ease and enjoyment as those in developed markets.

Meet itel SUPER 26 Ultra; Durable Curved Display with Unbeatable Performance

One of the biggest highlights of the SUPER 26 Ultra is its stunning 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display. The screen offers a 144Hz refresh rate, a crisp 1.5K resolution, and an impressive 4500 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest displays available in its category. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, ensuring durability, while buyers also get peace of mind with a 100-day free screen breakage warranty.

Beyond the display, the phone is built to withstand daily challenges. With its ultra-slim 6.8mm body, IP65 dust and water resistance, and a powerful 6000mAh battery that maintains 80 percent health even after four years of use, the SUPER 26 Ultra is both elegant and long-lasting.

itel has also stepped up its game in mobile photography. The SUPER 26 Ultra comes with dual video recording, AI RAW image processing, and the ability to shoot ultra-stable videos in 2K at 30 frames per second. Selfie lovers will enjoy the 32-megapixel clear front camera, while the rear setup is led by a sharp 50-megapixel snapshot camera, making it perfect for content creators and everyday photography.

Another highlighting point that truly elevates itel SUPER 26 Ultra is its smart AI integration. Intelligent tools enhance creativity and productivity, from its powerful image editor automatically organizing photo gallery and beautifying portraits to generating cinematic vlogs in seconds. More than that, its AI Camera Eraser feature can help users remove unwanted objects instantly, while Circle to Search allows users to highlight anything on-screen for immediate answers. With itel AI assistant Sola, you gain a smart daily companion to streamline your entertainment.

Performance is guaranteed with the T7300 6nm processor. The itel SUPER 26 Ultra achieves an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of over 510,000 higher than its competitors within its price range. This exceptional processing power ensures reliable and consistent performance, supporting 6 years of stable operation and offering users a fully enhanced multimedia entertainment. The phone also comes with memory options that go up to 256GB with 16GB RAM expansion. Entertainment is also well taken care of with DTS sound effects, NFC touch transfer, and Ultra Link free call, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience whether for gaming, streaming, or multitasking.

To celebrate the launch, itel has announced special offers for customers. Buyers of the 256GB plus 8GB variant using EasyBuy can pay in three installments at zero per cent interest. Every purchase also comes with a hundred-day broken screen insurance, six months of MovieBox VIP, one month of free premium subscription, and a chance to get one of five thousand limited DIY phone case displays. For those looking to upgrade later, the SUPER 26 Ultra also comes with a sixty percent resale value guarantee when swapped within 180 days. These offers run from September 9 to November 30.

As a bonus, 3,000 lucky buyers will receive a ₦2,500 discount voucher for four Bolt rides, making transportation more affordable and convenient. These offers are valid between September 9 and November 30, 2025.

With its blend of sleek design, exceptional rugged build quality, stable performance, along with practical AI, itel SUPER 26 Ultra truly refine the value in budget-friendly smartphone, poised to become the new benchmark for what consumers can expect from an accessible smartphone, effectively bringing a smooth experience to the masses.

Availability

The itel SUPER 26 Ultra is available at itel Home Stores and authorized retailers nationwide for 229,900 Naira (256+6GB) and 256,000 Naira (256+8GB). You can also order on our Jumia store using the link: https://tinyurl.com/4pdxn5cu or itel Home website using the link: https://tinyurl.com/2m8ekwju

About itel

Established over 15 years, itel is a Technology Empowerment Brand for masses. Adopting “Enjoy better life” as its brand philosophy, itel’s mission is to provide budget-friendly consumer electronic products to emerging markets consumers. In 2025, itel has expanded its presence in more than 80 emerging markets globally, including SSA, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Latin American. itel has a product portfolio of smartphones, electronics accessories, home appliances, and lifestyle products. In 2024 it ranked No.1 Global Smartphone brand under $75 and No.1 feature phone brand.

For more information, please visit: https://ng.itelhome.shop/products/itel-super-26-ultra?variant=41959066337367

NEMA DG Advocates Stronger Partnerships At UNGA Side Event

0

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has called for stronger international and local partnerships to drive sustainable growth and resilience in Nigeria. She made the call while speaking at a high-level side event during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to a press release on Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, signed by the Head, Press Unit, NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, the event, themed “Global Partnerships, Local Prosperity: Unlocking Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Blueprint for Sustainable Growth,” brought together senior government officials and prospective development partners.

Mrs Umar stressed that partnerships remain central to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She explained that NEMA is prioritising collaborations that go beyond temporary relief, focusing instead on empowerment, sustainability, and resilience.

“Our goal is to ensure that communities are not only supported during crises but are also better equipped to withstand future shocks,” she said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing shift from a reactive to a proactive disaster management approach, the NEMA boss noted that effective emergency response begins at the grassroots. She emphasised the need for State Governments to strengthen their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), citing Kaduna State as an example for its proactive flood preparedness measures, including the identification of safe grounds and the establishment of camps ahead of the rainy season.

Mrs Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to working with stakeholders at all levels to build a more resilient nation.

IGP Egbetokun Charges Senior Officers On Leadership, Accountability At Strategic Police Conference

0

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has urged senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to embrace stronger leadership, accountability, and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties. He gave the charge on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, at the Strategic Police Officers Conference held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Abuja.

Declaring the conference open, Egbetokun described the gathering as “a call to leadership” and an opportunity for stocktaking, stressing that the relevance of the Force depends on the vision, strategy, and execution of its leaders.

Highlighting recent operational successes, the IGP revealed that between July 31 and September 23, 2025, police operatives across the country arrested 4,383 suspects for various crimes, including 481 armed robbery suspects, 260 kidnappers, 371 for murder or culpable homicide, 161 for unlawful possession of firearms, 322 rapists, 375 cultists, and over 2,400 others for serious offences. Within the same period, the Force also recovered 716 firearms, 21,238 rounds of ammunition, 212 vehicles, and rescued 1,138 kidnapped victims.

He cited notable operations in Delta, Edo, Imo, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun, and Zamfara States, as well as during the August by-elections in Kano, where 333 electoral offenders were apprehended. According to him, these results demonstrate the Force’s growing operational effectiveness and synergy with local security partners.

The Police Chief, however, warned that operational victories must be complemented with accountability. He frowned at the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly land matters, declaring that the Nigeria Police Force “is not, and will never become, an enforcer for private interests.” He vowed disciplinary action against officers who compromise neutrality.

Egbetokun also directed Zonal AIGs and Commissioners of Police to intensify proactive measures ahead of the year-end “Ember Months,” traditionally associated with spikes in violent crimes. He mandated the activation of visibility policing frameworks, expanded patrols of highways and forest corridors, and deeper community engagement.

“The quality of your decisions sets the tone for our institution,” he told the senior officers. “If you uphold ethics, so will your men. If you tolerate misconduct, impunity will multiply.”

He emphasised that the credibility of the Nigeria Police lies not only in its ability to fight crime but also in the ethical culture enforced by its leadership.

Concluding, the IGP urged commanders to return from the conference with clear operational calendars and renewed commitment, stressing that the Police Force must remain steadfast in safeguarding the nation.

Otuaro Thanks Tinubu As PAP Deploys 161 For Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship

0

…..Urges Niger Deltans to Support President’s 2027 Reelection Bid

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for strongly supporting the agency’s recent deployment of its foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries.

Otuaro said the PAP had, as at the last count, sent 161 post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to universities in the U.K. for the 2025/2026 academic year.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his invaluable input and guidance in the exercise.

He attributed the huge number of beneficiaries so far deployed abroad for studies in various industry-relevant programmes to the backing and generosity of the President.

He urged stakeholders of the Niger Delta to stand with President Tinubu and support his reelection bid in 2027.

Otuaro stressed that the president has demonstrated good intentions for the region and deserved reciprocal action in 2027.

Recall that the PAP office had penultimate week organised pre-departure briefing for two batches of the beneficiaries on the foreign post-graduate sponsorship in Abuja.

Otuaro noted that the PAP’s “decision for the massive deployment aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his genuine love for the people of the Niger Delta.”

He said the President was aware of the region’s challenge of human capacity development gap and the need to close it, empower the people, and galvanize socio-economic growth and development in the area.

According to him, the region’s human capital development gap can be increasingly closed if the huge deployment of scholarship beneficiaries within and outside the country is sustained.

Otuaro further said, “I am eternally grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for graciously supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme as we deploy foreign scholarship beneficiaries for the academic session.

“But for the President’s magnanimity, it would not have been possible for us to send 161 beneficiaries to universities in the U.K. The number is huge and it aligns with His Excellency’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects his undying love for the Niger Delta.

“I am equally immensely thankful to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his usual incredible guidance and supervision, which helps us a great deal.

“I am highly encouraged by the President’s backing of our formal education and vocational training initiatives, and his strong desire for the socio-economic growth and development of our region.

“I believe that if we sustain the high number of scholarship deployments within and outside the country, the issue of human capacity development gap in our region will be decisively tackled.”

The PAP’s helmsman restated his call on all scholarship beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, complete their programmes successfully, and return home to add value to the development of the region and indeed the country.

PSC To Partner Radah Media Company To Improve Strategic Communication And Maximise The Benefit Of Technology In Its Operations

0

The Management of the Police Service Commission today, Tuesday, September 23rd 2025, met with a visiting team from The Radah Media Company led by its founder, Oge Funlola Modie, who came to explore a strategic and beneficial partnership for the mutual benefit of both organisations.

According to a press release signed by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, and speaking while receiving the team in his office, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), said the Commission was ready to work in partnership with the Company in the overall interest of its constitutional mandate of Police recruitment, promotion and discipline.

DIG Argungu said the Commission will always be interested in any partnership that will see to the improvement in the operations of the Nigeria Police Force, tangible enough to reduce or eliminate crime and criminality and see to the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians.

The PSC Chairman, however, lamented that the Commission has continued to battle the issue of poor funding, which has affected its professional efficiency and effectiveness.

He agreed on the need for strategic communication for the Commission and assured that the envisaged partnership will go a long way to reposition and strengthen the Commission for optimal service delivery.

Earlier, Ms Modie promised that the partnership would include training in strategic communication, technology and design.

She noted that the Commission, with the nature of its constitutional mandate, deserves adequate funding and promised to assist in pushing the Commission’s narrative of improved and adequate funding, which she noted should be in the interest of the country.

Delta Police Command Engages Bankers On Security Ahead Of Yuletide

0

As part of proactive measures to curb criminal activities during the ember months, the Delta State Police Command has convened a strategic security meeting with members of the Bankers’ Forum across the state.

According to a press release signed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the meeting, held on September 23, 2025, brought together the Chief Security Officer of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Asaba branch, and 39 bank heads operating in Delta. It was aimed at strengthening security around banking institutions ahead of the forthcoming festive season.

Representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, underscored the need for financial institutions to step up security measures to deter criminals who often exploit the yuletide rush. He emphasised the importance of deploying functional CCTV systems in banking environments to aid police monitoring and rapid response.

In her remarks, the CBN Chief Security Officer, Mrs Evangeline Patrick, commended the initiative, noting that the apex bank ensures specie movements are accompanied by adequate armed police escorts before releasing cash to commercial banks.

DCP Adejobi assured that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across Delta State, stressing that the engagement with the Bankers’ Forum is only the beginning of broader proactive steps being taken to ensure a crime-free ember months season.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Seals Partnership With Michigan State University To Formalize Establishment Of Top-Tier Agriculture Faculty At GSU

0

…Agreement Focuses on Climate-smart Agriculture, Faculty and Student Exchanges, Joint Research Projects, Curriculum Co-Development, Others

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has formalised a strategic partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), USA, by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI), paving the way for the establishment of a world-class Faculty of Agriculture at Gombe State University (GSU).

The Governor led a delegation to MSU as part of a working visit aimed at deepening international partnership in agricultural development, research and capacity building.

The Letter of Intent was signed during a ceremony attended by senior MSU officials, including the Chair of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Professor Bradley Marks, Assistant Dean, Professor Karim Maredia, and Director of International Programmes.

The partnership outlines several key areas of collaboration, including joint research initiatives, curriculum co-development, faculty and student exchanges and joint projects focusing on sustainable agriculture, water management, landscape restoration and renewable energy applications.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended MSU’s global leadership in agricultural transformation and emphasised the importance of North-South cooperation.

“This partnership is a cornerstone of our administration’s drive for sustainable development. We are leveraging MSU’s world-class expertise to build a premier agricultural institution in Gombe State. While GSU benefits immensely, MSU faculty and students will also gain valuable insight through engagement with Africa’s dynamic agricultural landscape,” he said.

The Governor also held technical meetings with faculty from MSU’s Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, including Professors Ajit Srivastava, Narendra Das, Daniel Morris, and Daniel Uyeh.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya conducted a tour of MSU South Campus Farms with Professor Barry Bradford, Jacquelyn Perkin, and Professor Uyeh.

Further engagements took place at the MSU African Studies Centre, where Professor Leo Zulu received the Governor and his delegation; Alliance for African Partnership Co-Directors, Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison; and Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programmes, Professor Titus Awokuse.

Discussions focused on providing research and institutional support for the planned College of Agriculture at GSU.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to the partnership, citing the recent approval of N1.1 billion for the takeoff of the Faculty of Agriculture in Malam Sidi, as well as the allocation of 365 hectares of land for research, extension services, and future expansion.

He disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has already granted formal approval for the establishment of the college, with academic programmes set to commence in the 2025/2026 session.

Professor Bradley Marks praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision and commitment. “We commend His Excellency for his strong commitment and follow-up visit. This Letter of Intent reflects a shared determination to deliver a transformative academic partnership,” he stated.

The Gombe State delegation included Hon. Aliyu Baba Manu, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations; Barr. Moljengo M. Kaltungo, Member, GSU Governing Council; Dr. Ismail Jibrin, Chairman, Gombe State Drugs Management Agency; and Ahmed Husaini, Director General, Research and Documentation.

Following the successful engagements at MSU, Governor Inuwa Yahaya proceeded to New York to participate in the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Integrity Youth Alliance Criticizes SERAP, Amnesty Over Calls To Drop Sowore’s Defamation Case

0

The Integrity Youth Alliance has faulted recent calls by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to withdraw the criminal defamation charges against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the group described the calls as “misplaced, biased, and detrimental to the sanctity of justice,” insisting that Sowore must be held accountable for what it termed “persistent defamation” of President Tinubu’s character.

According to the group, Sowore’s actions have “gone far beyond constructive criticism” and now amount to “deliberate falsehood and incitement.” It rejected claims by SERAP and Amnesty that the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies were weaponising the justice system to silence dissent.

“Sowore’s posts on social media are not criticism by any democratic standard; they are defamatory, malicious, and inflammatory,” the statement read, adding that his “Revolution Now” campaign was not peaceful dissent but “a dangerous call for insurrection.”

The Alliance maintained that the ongoing lawsuits against Sowore were “necessary and proportionate” under Nigeria’s constitution and international obligations, stressing that freedom of expression does not permit “reckless defamation or the spread of inciting falsehoods.”

It further urged SERAP and Amnesty International to “caution Mr Sowore” rather than “lend credibility to his baseless utterances,” warning that continued support for him would undermine the credibility of the organisations.

“The Integrity Youth Alliance stands firmly on the side of truth, justice, and responsible civic engagement,” Adegbenga stated. “While we will always defend freedom of speech, we equally insist that such freedoms carry corresponding responsibilities, and no individual, no matter how prominent, is above the law.”

IGP Egbetokun Charts A Bold Course For Police Leadership

By Adewole Kehinde

“The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started.”Norman Cousins

On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force witnessed yet another milestone in its steady march towards transformation as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, hosted an executive capacity-building workshop for the top leadership of the Force at the Police Resource Centre, Abuja.

The central thrust of the workshop was encapsulated in the IGP’s profound statement: “Conflicts no longer wait. Neither can we. Security challenges no longer unfold at a measured pace; they emerge suddenly, evolve rapidly, and persist stubbornly. If we must win, our leadership must be faster, sharper, and more innovative than the threats we confront.”

This declaration is not only timely but also visionary. It underscores the reality of policing in today’s Nigeria, an environment where threats mutate with alarming speed, demanding leaders who can think on their feet, innovate under pressure, and inspire their teams amidst uncertainty.

The chosen theme of the workshop, “Managing Fast-Paced Security Challenges in a Protracted Conflict Environment”, could not have been more apt. It speaks directly to the paradox of our times: conflicts that stretch across years yet shift shape and intensity daily. In such a context, the demand on police leadership is not only to respond but to anticipate, adapt, and outthink adversaries.

I commend the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) for its foresight and commitment in organising this vital engagement in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force. Their collaboration reflects a recognition that modern policing cannot be pursued in isolation but must be grounded in scholarship, dialogue, and strategic foresight.

The one-day training workshop was thoughtfully designed to enrich the leadership journey of our police officers. The topics discussed were not abstract theories but practical weapons of leadership—tools to equip officers to command with clarity, manage crises with precision, and inspire confidence among the men and women they lead.

I trust that the workshop will usher in a collective transformation within the Nigeria Police Force. Indeed, IGP Egbetokun was emphatic in his charge that the exercise must not end as “a series of lectures and notes” but must produce a shift in mindset, a recalibration of strategy, and a renewal of commitment. This, to me, is the true essence of leadership development—measurable change in thinking and execution, not just participation.

Now more than ever, police officers must seize this opportunity to sharpen their instincts, renew their vision, and reaffirm their oath to serve with courage, honour, and distinction. Nigeria cannot afford leaders who lag behind the threats; we must nurture a generation of police commanders who are always several steps ahead.

The executive capacity building workshop marks a bold step in this direction. For this, I salute the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his vision, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to a Nigeria Police Force that is not just reactive but proactive, not just strong but smart, and not just present but prepared.

 

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