By Adewole Kehinde
As the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025 under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” it is impossible to overlook the critical role of law enforcement in shaping how human rights are protected, respected, and experienced in daily life.
The United Nations has rightly observed that in this period of global turbulence and unpredictability, where insecurity, disaffection, and alienation are rising, there is a renewed need to reinforce human rights as the foundation of peace, justice, and societal trust.
In Nigeria, this message resonates deeply. And today, it is fitting to commend the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for steering the Nigeria Police Force firmly toward full compliance with the human rights of all Nigerians and residents across the country. His leadership reflects a clear departure from the troubling history of abuses long associated with policing in Nigeria.
A Clear Commitment to Human Rights-Based Policing
Human Rights Day 2025 offers an important reminder that human rights are not abstract principles; they are everyday essentials. They touch on dignity, liberty, safety, and justice.
It is encouraging that the Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun, has not merely echoed this philosophy but officially committed itself to it through policy, training, and enforcement mechanisms rooted in the Police Act 2020 and the 1999 Constitution, particularly Chapter 4, which guarantees fundamental rights.
Similarly, the IGP’s reforms align squarely with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and international human rights declarations that demand democratic, accountable, and professional policing.
Goodbye to the Dark Past
For far too long, human rights groups have repeatedly exposed cases of:
- Police brutality
- Torture
- Extortion
- Impunity
- Unlawful detention
- Political interference
- Poor investigative standards
Those dark days, once seen as an entrenched culture, are steadily fading.
The Egbetokun Reforms: Accountability, Professionalism & Protection for All
The current Inspector-General has introduced decisive actions to reverse entrenched abuses and modernise Nigeria’s policing system:
1. Zero Tolerance for Unlawful Detention
IGP Egbetokun has consistently cautioned officers against detaining citizens without cause or beyond the limits permitted by law.
This directive is being complemented by strengthened monitoring teams and stricter administrative sanctions.
2. Stronger Accountability Mechanisms
Erring officers are now facing swift disciplinary measures, and the Force has become more open to public scrutiny.
This has helped rebuild trust and send a singular message: misconduct will not be tolerated.
3. Victim-Centred Policing
The expansion and strengthening of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Desks nationwide is one of the most progressive steps of this administration. It reflects a policing culture that protects vulnerable groups—women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities.
4. Better Training for Better Policing
Ongoing retraining of officers on human rights standards, investigative procedures, and emotional intelligence marks a shift toward a more professional, empathetic, and community-focused police service.
A New Police Force Is Emerging
Today, the Nigeria Police is increasingly recognised for:
- Lawful, rule-based conduct
- Professionalism in handling arrests
- Respect for suspects’ rights
- Stronger collaboration with civil society
- Improved community policing structures
- Better welfare and motivation for officers, reducing corruption incentives
In essence, the Force is transitioning from power-based policing to rights-based, citizen-centred policing.
Conclusion: Human Rights as a Daily Reality
The theme of Human Rights Day 2025 calls for reaffirming the values that bind humanity together. Under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force is demonstrating that human rights are not obstacles to policing; they are the very foundation of effective, democratic law enforcement.
By bridging the gap between human rights principles and everyday experiences, the Nigeria police are sparking awareness, inspiring public confidence, and encouraging collective action toward a safer and more just Nigeria.
Today, we celebrate not just Human Rights Day but the emergence of a police force that embraces its constitutional duty to protect with dignity, enforce with fairness, and serve with humanity.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846 kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
