…. Charges Them on Integrity and Service
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has hailed young officers of the Nigeria Police Force who were recently called to the Nigerian Bar, describing their achievement as a milestone that strengthens the Force and enhances the nation’s justice system.
Speaking at a meeting with the newly qualified lawyers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, September 29, 2025, the IGP congratulated the officers for completing the Nigerian Law School programme, noting with pride that one of them graduated with First Class Honours.
Egbetokun emphasised that their success was not a personal gain alone but an asset to the Police and to Nigeria. “You return to this institution not just as police officers, but as custodians of legal knowledge. That knowledge must not be idle. It must be put to work – to strengthen the Force and to serve the people of Nigeria,” he said.
The Police Chief highlighted the recent elevation of the Force’s Legal Section into the Directorate of Legal Services, now headed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, stressing that the unit must provide sharper legal direction, ensure watertight prosecutions, protect the institution against legal vulnerabilities, and contribute to policy formulation.
Charging the young lawyers to be value-driven, the IGP outlined his expectations of them: to strengthen prosecutions, uphold integrity, provide authoritative legal advice, advance reforms in line with constitutional and human rights standards, and inspire other officers.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not need lawyers in uniform for decoration. We need officers who add value, defend this institution with skill, courage, and integrity,” he declared.
Egbetokun reminded the officers of the double responsibility their new status places on them—towards the Force, the legal profession, and the Nigerian people. He urged them to combine humility, discipline, and loyalty with their legal expertise, warning that while excellence would be rewarded, mediocrity would not be tolerated.
Closing his remarks, the IGP reiterated that their achievement was not about titles but about setting standards of professionalism and justice within the Nigeria Police. “The Police at this time more than ever before needs not just lawyers who carry titles, but officers who will make the law work for justice, for discipline, and for Nigeria,” he said.
