The Ndigbo Young Professionals (NYP) has issued a scathing response to Okechukwu Nwanguma, who claims to be the National Coordinator of the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), accusing him of spreading falsehoods and misrepresenting the state of police reforms in the country.
The NYP, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ambassador Chinonso Chukwuemeka, described Nwanguma’s recent article titled “Weaponising Propaganda: Nigeria Police, Phantom Support Groups, And The War On Truth” as “highly misleading and fallacious.”
Ambassador Chukwuemeka stated that the NYP would ordinarily not respond to “a one-man show masquerading as a national network” but was compelled to correct the misconceptions peddled by Nwanguma. He described the NYP as a coalition of professionals from the military, police, civil service, and other sectors committed to promoting a reformed, people-focused police force.
“We are not a one-man organisation parading as a reform body while diverting foreign funds meant for genuine police reform,” Chukwuemeka said. “We are aware that our activities in support of the Nigeria Police have upset people like Nwanguma, who have thrived by exploiting the system.”
The NYP further alleged that the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria had benefited from significant foreign funding but failed to provide transparency or tangible results. “We will soon expose all the foreign grants received by NOPRIN, and Okechukwu Nwanguma must be held accountable for how those funds were spent,” the statement added.
Responding to claims made in the article regarding poor police salaries, Chukwuemeka emphasised that salary reviews fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, noting that the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has been proactive in advocating for improved welfare packages for officers.
On the issue of police pensions and insurance for fallen officers, the NYP dismissed Nwanguma’s assertions as baseless. “Contrary to his claims, the IGP has instituted mechanisms to tackle corruption within the police pension system. As of May 2025, over N23 billion has been disbursed to the families of deceased officers, with 8,311 families benefitting from the Group Life Assurance and Family Welfare Insurance Schemes.”
The NYP noted that IGP Egbetokun’s leadership is focused on improving officers’ living conditions, work environments, and overall professional development. “He recognises the sacrifices made by police personnel and is working to create a more supportive and enabling atmosphere within the Force,” Chukwuemeka added.
The group reiterated that it operates independently and has no formal affiliation with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. “We are a professional body committed to supporting a service-oriented, accountable, and community-friendly police institution in line with national development goals,” the statement concluded.
