By Adewole Kehinde
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things” – Peter F. Drucker
The Nigeria Police Force is essential to preserving the nation’s law and order, public safety, and judicial system.
It is well known, meanwhile, that the force has faced numerous difficulties, from insufficient funding to corruption.
The Nigeria police force must imagine a modernised and professionalised force that would efficiently serve and protect all Nigerians as they look to the future.
A vision for the future of Nigeria’s police force is presented in this article, emphasising important areas for professionalism and development.
I recall on 3rd January 2025, during a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said that the Nigeria Police Force will prioritise community engagement and professionalism in the New Year.
Egbetokun said, “In this year 2025, I want to let you know that we are committed to pursuing our policing vision more vigorously. We will prioritise community engagement. We will prioritise professionalism and emphasise the ethical conduct of our officers.
“I am very confident that with your support we are going to overcome all the challenges that we are facing presently and ensure that Nigeria becomes safer for all of us.”
The absence of professionalism and integrity among certain personnel of the Nigeria Police Force is one of the most urgent problems the force is currently dealing with.
The force needs to place more emphasis on professional ethics, honesty, and responsibility to create a brighter future.
This can be achieved through comprehensive training programs, strict disciplinary measures for misconduct, and adequate funding of the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), the unit of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) that investigates and resolves complaints of police misconduct.
Also, to meet the evolving challenges of crime and security threats, the Nigeria Police Force must invest in modern technology and infrastructure.
This includes the deployment of CCTV cameras, digital fingerprint databases, and real-time communication systems to all commands and zones to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
Additionally, adequate funding by the federal government is necessary towards improving police stations, vehicles, and equipment to enable personnel to carry out their duties effectively.
Building trust and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve is essential for effective law enforcement.
The recent deployment of the 2022 batch of recruits to their various local governments of origin is a welcome development, with a focus on engaging with residents, addressing their concerns, and working together to prevent crime.
Furthermore, there should be increased efforts to recruit more personnel in 2025 from diverse backgrounds to better reflect the communities they serve and to foster positive relationships.
The current Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, is so keen on training, and I do not doubt that his continuous training and capacity-building agenda are essential for equipping police officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond to complex security challenges.
In 2025, training programs should cover areas such as conflict resolution, human rights, forensic investigation, and community engagement.
Moreover, there should be opportunities for career advancement and specialisation to ensure that officers are motivated and competent in their respective roles.
In shaping Nigeria’s police future, it is imperative to prioritise professionalism, integrity, technology, community engagement, and capacity building.
By implementing these reforms, the Nigeria Police Force will transform into a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric institution that upholds the rule of law and protects the rights of all Nigerians.
With a collective commitment to positive change, we can build a brighter future for law enforcement in Nigeria, one that serves as a beacon of hope and security for generations to come.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com. @kennyadewole
