By Adewole Kehinde
“Principles are guidelines for human conduct that are proven to have enduring, permanent value” – Stephen Covey
I took time to digest a press statement on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, where he said that IGP Kayode Egbetokun expressed strong displeasure at the misconducts of a few recalcitrant officers along major highways in Nigeria, which have repeatedly tarnished the Force’s reputation.
As a man who has been following the activities of the IGP for many years, I can beat my chest to say that IGP Egbetokun will never tolerate misconduct from any police personnel.
What is police misconduct? Police misconduct, also called police deviance, refers to inappropriate actions taken by police officers in connection with their official duties.
Some examples of police misconduct include extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, misuse of firearms, abuse of power, gross indiscipline, and the wastage of live ammunition.
IGP Egbetokun is a man who doesn’t tolerate misconduct because it is not only criminal and unprofessional but also embarrassing to the force and the nation at large.
On many occasions, the IGP always warns all officers to ensure they carry out their duties in line with the extant laws to avoid running afoul of their provisions and attracting attendant sanctions.
He keeps tasking supervising officers to ensure continuous and detailed lectures to their men to ensure they are well acquainted with all necessary standard operating procedures.
He also challenged the senior police officers to continue to provide strategic leadership that would remain sensitive to issues of rights violations and excessive and unjustifiable use of authority by police personnel in their commands.
I remember that during one of the IGP Conferences, he charged senior police officers to be conscious of the fact that such unprofessional conduct of personnel, if unchecked, would deepen the trust gap between the citizens and the police and make the attainment of the police mandate difficult.
I will join the IGP in calling on all police personnel to go through the enacted Nigeria Police Act, 2020, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act so as to be guided in their duties. These acts address various areas of police work, such as arrest procedures, use of force, handling of evidence, traffic management, community policing, and disciplinary actions.
It provides specific instructions and protocols that officers are expected to follow.
Addressing police misconduct in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that involves various stakeholders.
I am very aware that the IGP is embarking on an advocacy campaign for comprehensive police reform that focuses on improving recruitment processes, training programmes, and the overall organizational structure of the Nigeria Police Force. This includes enhancing accountability mechanisms and professional standards.
Also, he has strengthened the Monitoring Unit and the X-Squad in order to ensure effective investigations of complaints against police officers. The unit is adequately funded, has the authority to conduct unbiased investigations, and holds officers accountable for misconduct.
I am also aware that the IGP has made training and capacity-building his priorities. This is aimed at enhancing training programmes for police officers, emphasizing human rights, de-escalation techniques, community policing, and ethical conduct.
This regular and ongoing training will help instill a culture of accountability and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
Also, the IGP has continued to engage communities across Nigeria, ensuring trust-building. This has helped promote dialogue and collaboration between police officers and community members. This includes town hall meetings, community policing initiatives, and partnerships with civil society organizations aimed at building trust and improving mutual understanding.
There is no doubt that the IGP is also working on evaluating and amending existing laws and regulations to align with international human rights standards. This includes addressing gaps in legislation related to police accountability and provisions for redress for victims of police misconduct.
Since his resumption of office, IGP Egbetokun has introduced technology-driven solutions such as digital complaint platforms and data analytics tools to improve transparency, accountability, and evidence collection in policing.
He has also ensured collaboration with civil society, aimed at fostering partnerships with civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the media to monitor police activities, raise awareness about misconduct, and advocate for necessary reforms.
The IGP and his management team have not relented in enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the judicial system by ensuring swift and fair prosecution of police officers involved in misconduct. This has helped restore public faith in the justice system.
It is important to note that implementing these remedies has been made possible due to the sustained commitment of the IGP.
It is my hope that collaboration and resource allocation from the government, civil society, and other stakeholders will bring about lasting change in the Nigerian policing system.
Under the leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigerian Police Force is committed to sustaining the most excellent professionalism, integrity, and public service standards.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached via 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com
