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.
