By Adewole Kehinde
“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader. They set out to make a difference. It is never about the role – always about the goal.” – Lisa Haisha
The forthcoming participation of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, at the 2025 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition is a welcome and strategic development, especially at a time when the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing far-reaching reforms and professional transformation under his visionary leadership.
The IGP’s presence at this global gathering underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to international cooperation, modernisation of policing strategies, and the deepening of intelligence-led law enforcement in an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world.
It is a clear statement that Nigerian policing is no longer insular but part of the evolving global security conversation, one that values innovation, technology, and collaboration in tackling contemporary threats.
At the IACP 2025, which will be hosted in Denver, Colorado, from October 18 to 21, IGP Egbetokun is expected to engage in strategic discussions with law enforcement chiefs and security leaders from across the globe.
These discussions will focus on key areas such as intelligence sharing, cross-border collaboration, training exchange programmes, and joint operations designed to combat cyber-enabled crimes and strengthen border security.
Such engagements are crucial, as the threats facing nations today are borderless, requiring equally borderless solutions.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition stands as the largest and most impactful law enforcement event of the year.
The IACP Conference is a premier event that brings together law enforcement professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world. With a focus on promoting excellence in policing and fostering collaboration, the conference serves as a platform for sharing best practices, discussing emerging trends, and addressing critical issues affecting law enforcement agencies globally.
Each year, more than 16,000 public safety professionals converge to learn cutting-edge techniques, enhance their professional knowledge, and equip their departments for sustained success in service delivery.
The 2025 edition will feature four days of education and networking, while the exposition hall, open from Sunday through Tuesday, will host over 600 vendors showcasing state-of-the-art products and services tailored to advance global policing.
The three tenets of the conference, “training, networking, and exhibit hall education,” perfectly align with IGP Egbetokun’s ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force into a world-class institution built on competence, innovation, and accountability.
His administration has consistently championed capacity building, welfare enhancement, and technological adoption, all aimed at delivering more efficient and citizen-centred policing.
Undoubtedly, the Nigeria Police under IGP Egbetokun will continue to reaffirm its resolve to raise the standards of service delivery, professionalism, and international cooperation.
His leadership has breathed fresh life into the Force’s vision of becoming a trusted and globally respected law enforcement institution.
In conclusion, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s participation in the 2025 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition is not just a symbolic engagement; it represents a bold and forward-looking step toward aligning Nigerian policing with international best practices.
It is a move that reinforces Nigeria’s place in the global security architecture and contributes to the collective mission of building a safer, smarter, and more secure world for future generations.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166249846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
