By Adewole Kehinde
“The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.” Jiddu Krishnamurti
As part of the rapid reform of the Nigeria Police by the IGP Egbetokun leadership, on September 7, 2023, the IGP approved the upscaling of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to a department in the Nigeria Police Force.
Also, the IGP approved the appointment of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Habu Sani, a seasoned and highly experienced officer, as the new Head of the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
According to IGP Egbetokun, the move is to consolidate current strides in the advancement of police efforts to strengthen and enhance the police intelligence capabilities for an improved internal security mechanism to bolster the ability to combat modern-day challenges effectively.
The Force Intelligence Department is the apex of intelligence gathering in the Force. It is the only arm of the force that provides intelligence on crime and national security.
The department has several objectives, which include gathering and collating intelligence on criminal activities, threats to public safety, and national security concerns; analysing and assessing intelligence to provide timely and accurate information to support law enforcement operations and decision-making; developing and maintaining strong relationships with other law enforcement agencies, government departments, and international partners to share intelligence and collaborate on joint operations; conducting covert and overt operations to gather intelligence on criminal networks, terrorist organisations, and other threats to public safety; advising and supporting senior police leadership in developing strategies to address emerging threats and prevent criminal activities; and supporting the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases by providing intelligence and evidence to support legal proceedings.
These objectives are aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively address security challenges and maintain law and order in the country.
No wonder on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the IGP ordered the posting of 54 ACPs to Zonal and State Command levels nationwide in furtherance of the upscaling of the intelligence department of the Nigeria Police.
According to the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the posting is premised on the zeal of the IGP to improve and enhance the effectiveness of the Intelligence Department at every level of the Force as a panacea to addressing the crime rate in the country, in line with his vision statement.
IGP Egbetokun will continue to improve the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department through training and development by implementing specialised training programmes for intelligence officers to enhance their skills in gathering, analysing, and disseminating intelligence information.
Also, through technological integration, as we all know, investment in modern intelligence-gathering technologies and systems aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection and analysis.
The department will not relent in collaboration aimed at fostering greater cooperation and information sharing with other law enforcement agencies, both domestically and internationally, to enhance the scope and quality of intelligence gathered.
The department will continue to build trust and rapport with local communities to encourage cooperation and the sharing of vital intelligence information while regularly assessing the effectiveness of intelligence operations and making necessary adjustments to improve performance.
Since he assumed office as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun has prioritised police work towards enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of its intelligence department.
Egbetokun’s administration aims to infuse these units with leadership that possesses a blend of operational experience, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to maintaining law and order.
This step is expected to result in sharper intelligence operations, more effective crime prevention, and an overall elevation of our law enforcement standards.
In conclusion, I do not doubt that the DIG in charge of the department will entrench professionalism and apply its wealth of experience in the course of discharging its duties towards strengthening the already existing intelligence architecture of the Force.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846. E-mail: kennyadewole@gmail.com
