The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that accountability is a cornerstone of democratic policing.
The IGP made this known during his keynote address at the National Summit on Police Accountability, held on December 3, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
Egbetokun said that law enforcement officers must utilise their powers responsibly, serving as custodians of public trust. Accountability is not merely a mechanism for addressing misconduct but a means of fostering professionalism, promoting ethical behaviour, and ensuring respect for the rule of law at every level of policing.
“When the public trusts the police to act impartially and uphold their rights, a vital bond is formed, strengthening cooperation and community safety. Conversely, when accountability is absent, the trust between the police and citizens erodes, breeding mistrust and undermining public confidence.
The IGP further said that the theme of today’s summit, “All of Society Approach towards Achieving Police Accountability in Nigeria,” is a powerful call to action as it underscores the collective responsibility all share in ensuring a transparent and accountable policing system that reflects the principles of justice, integrity, and fairness.
On the essence of police accountability, the IGP said that police accountability is a cornerstone of democratic policing.
“It requires that law enforcement officers utilise their powers responsibly, serving as custodians of public trust. Accountability is not merely a mechanism for addressing misconduct but a means of fostering professionalism, promoting ethical behaviour, and ensuring respect for the rule of law at every level of policing.
“When the public trusts the police to act impartially and uphold their rights, a vital bond is formed, strengthening cooperation and community safety. Conversely, when accountability is absent, the trust between the police and citizens erodes, breeding mistrust and undermining public confidence, Egbetokun said.
On achievements and progress so far, the IGP said since assuming office in 2023, his administration has introduced significant measures to strengthen internal oversight and promote accountability.
These efforts include expanding the Complaint Response Unit to operate in all 36 states, in line with Section131 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020; reorganizing the IGP Monitoring Unit to enhance its oversight capabilities; improving public engagement through social media platforms and broadcast media, fostering transparency and mutual understanding; strengthening the Provost Unit to sanction erring officers in accordance with Police Regulations and Public Service Rules; and recognizing and rewarding professionalism through initiatives like the Annual IGP’s Awards and Commendation Night, celebrating officers who exemplify excellence and enhanced Training and Retraining Programs
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to enhancing the training and retraining of its officers. Recently, we’ve developed special training programs focusing on policing ethics, professional conduct, and reorientation courses. These programs are mandatory for all officers, from recruit constables to superintendents, starting January 2025.
“We’ve also partnered with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice to train our officers on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), peacebuilding, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Additionally, our officers are required to attend refresher courses and other training programs sponsored by local and international partners.
“I’m pleased to acknowledge the presence of the team from UNODC at this summit. Thank you for your steadfastness in the training programs you organise for our officers across the country. The attention we are giving to training is deliberate. We recognise that our emphasis on accountability can only be effective if our officers possess the necessary professional competence through training and retraining, the IGP said.
On the role of collaboration, Egbetokun said that effective police accountability cannot be achieved by the police alone.
“It demands a collaborative approach involving government agencies, civil society, oversight bodies, and the public. Together, we must foster an environment where oversight is viewed not as a threat but as a partnership for improvement and mutual respect.
“Public engagement is critical. Citizens are not only beneficiaries of policing services but also active participants in maintaining accountability. A transparent and inclusive approach will bridge the gap between the police and the public, ensuring that our shared mission of safety and justice is realised.
“As we discuss strategies at this summit, I assure you of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to fostering a culture of accountability. We are dedicated to building a system where every officer, regardless of rank, upholds justice and equity and where every citizen can hold us accountable.
“Accountability is the cornerstone of our efforts to restore public trust, boost operational effectiveness, and protect the rights of our citizens. We are dedicated to fortifying this foundation through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts.
Egbetokun urged all participants at the summit to seize this unique opportunity to forge stronger collaboration between the police and the public.
“By working together, we can transform the Nigeria Police Force into a world-class institution, renowned for excellence and trusted by all.
“Let us unite in this effort, for only through collaboration can we build a policing system that reflects the values of justice, fairness, and accountability—a system that serves as our pillar of democracy and a protector of our shared future. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our communities and our nation.
