By Adewole Kehinde
The recently concluded 5th edition of the Conference and Retreat of Senior Police Officers tagged CARPSO 2025, has come and gone, but many useful resolutions were made that are already changing the orientation, welfare, and image of the Nigeria Police.
For clarity purposes, a retreat typically refers to a period set aside for reflection, relaxation, and personal or group development away from the usual distractions of daily life while a conference is a formal meeting of individuals with a shared interest, typically held to discuss specific topics, share knowledge, and generate ideas.
Why put up a retreat for the Senior Police Officers? I would say it is for reflection and self-discovery as individuals often seek retreats to gain clarity about their thoughts, feelings, and life directions. It’s an opportunity to step back from everyday routines and reflect deeply on personal values and goals.
Retreat also fosters teamwork, improves communication, and builds stronger relationships among team members. Activities may be designed to enhance collaboration and trust.
Likewise, conferences provide a platform for experts and practitioners to share their research findings, experiences, and innovative practices with an audience.
It also offers opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, fostering relationships that can lead to future partnerships or collaborations.
The first edition took place in Lagos in October 2019, while the second edition took place in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, on February 7–10, 2022, and the third and fourth editions took place in Owerri on October 18–21, 2022, and October 30th to November 1st, 2023 while the 5th edition took place from Monday, February 24, to Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Some of the resolutions of the conferences and retreats so far include
(a) Acknowledgement of the President’s commitment to supporting security agencies and critical stakeholders in providing a secure and safe civil space to facilitate economic growth and development.
(b) Identification of cyber-related crimes as the prevailing trend in the country, emphasizing the necessity of high-tech tools, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, to combat these crimes effectively.
(c) Encouragement for the Nigeria Police Force to expand its use of enhanced technology tools, including the expansion of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre to FCID Annexes and State Commands’ CIDs across the country.
(d) Emphasised the significance of personnel remuneration and training in enabling the Force to carry out its duties effectively and efficiently.
(e) The need to educate officers at all levels about social media tools and skills to enhance strategic communications and engagement with the nation’s youth.
(f) Call for special funding of the Nigeria Police Force by the Federal and State Governments and private and corporate bodies, with the National Assembly urged to facilitate a bill to review the existing. Police Trust Fund for adequacy and reasonable use.
(g) recognition of the importance of collaboration among security agencies and the appeal for continued professionalism and cooperation.
(h) Encouragement for the Federal Government to support and equip the Nigeria Police Force to enhance operational capabilities
(i)acknowledgement of the increasing role of the Nigeria Police Force in INTERPOL affairs, urging its sustained involvement.
(j) Recommendation to consider including heads of security agencies, particularly the Inspector-General of Police, in the National Economic Council to integrate security perspectives into the nation’s strategic economic policies.
(k) Appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police’s leadership in advancing community policing and the call for special funding to implement this strategy.
(l) recognized the need and effort to mainstream gender equality in the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force.
(m) The IGP’s Special Committee, under the leadership of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, to conclude the review of the draft Harmonised Condition of Service for the Nigeria Police Force by the end of the fourth quarter of 2023
(n) The acquisition of an electronic case management system to ensure digitization of all case files and other legacy documents at the Force Criminal Investigations Department for posterity and enduring institutional memory is sacrosanct.
(o) The Federal Government of Nigeria to provide adequate funding for the training of police personnel to improve their capacity for effective crime prevention, enhanced public safety, and quality service delivery to Nigerians.
(p) Collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force with the Police Service Commission to ensure resuscitation of development, refresher, and promotion courses for the Inspectorate and rank/file cadres
q) The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the Federal Government’s commitment to continually invest in police infrastructure, improved welfare, funding, and inter-agency cooperation.
r) Inclusive policing should be prioritized through people-centered, community-driven strategies to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the public. people-centered
s) Establishing a COMPSTAT performance management system, increasing investment in digital policing tools, and developing forensic units in all police commands.
t) Regular psychological assessments and mental health support services should be institutionalized and emphasized for police personnel.
u) Strategic annual plans should be developed and implemented across all police formations to enhance operational efficiency.
v) A transition from reactive to proactive and preventive policing approaches should be emphasised.
w) Strengthening regional and international partnerships.
x) Enhanced cooperation among African states to foster cross-border security collaboration.
y) Acquisition and deployment of electric motorcycles for improved mobility and crime prevention.
z) Integration of technologically advanced surveillance equipment, including drones, in collaboration with international partners and establishment of a Behavioural Analysis Unit to enhance intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The conference and retreat so far has provided an opportunity for professionals, researchers, and experts in the security industry to connect and build relationships.
I am aware that other security agencies are already keying into the conference and retreat put together by Lenders Consult International with Shina Philips as Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director.
One of the outstanding impact of the conference and retreat is the professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly under the leadership of Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, which involves examining various aspects such as police conduct, community engagement, accountability, and reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and public perception of the police.
IGP Egbetokun has been able to establish a clear vision for professionalism within the force. This includes promoting ethical standards, ensuring that officers adhere to the rule of law, and instilling a sense of duty towards serving the public.
Professionalism in the police force often hinges on continuous training and education. Implementing advanced training programs for officers on community policing, human rights, conflict resolution, and modern investigative techniques has been enhancing personnel skills and approach to policing.
Egbetokun’s emphasis on building trust between the police and the communities they serve is as a reult of resolutions of past conference. This involves initiating community policing strategies, where officers work closely with local communities to address their concerns and foster a collaborative environment.
To enhance professionalism, the IGP has establised a robust internal and external accountability mechanisms within the Force. This include setting up independent oversight bodies such as CRU, PCB etc to address complaints against officers, implementing transparent disciplinary processes, and ensuring that errant officers are held accountable.
His incorporation of technology in policing has also contributed to professionalism in the Force. This involves using modern communication tools, data analytics for crime prevention, and digital platforms for reporting incidents, all of which can make the police more efficient and accessible.
Corruption has been a significant concern within the Nigeria Police Force. Egbetokun’s strategies have focused on zero tolerance for corrupt practices, establishing transparent processes, and fostering an organizational culture that values integrity.
Ultimately, improving professionalism in the police force is linked to enhancing the public’s perception of the police. Egbetokun’s positive interactions, transparency in operations, and effective communication has helped in rebuilding trust and confidence in the police.
The Senior Police Officers retreats and conferences has offered a valuable space for introspection, connection, and personal or collective growth, helping individuals and the Force to enhance their effectiveness and well-being; serve as important venues for education, collaboration, and innovation across various disciplines.
As the 6th Edition of the Senior Police Officers retreats and conferences comes up before the end of the year, my expectation is that it will promote the exchange of ideas, best practices, and cutting-edge research within the field of security where participants will learn about the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in various areas of security.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst and publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
