By Olufemi Lawson
Since his appointment in June 2023, Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has steered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) towards a more rights respecting institution. By prioritizing rule of law, due process and accountability, his leadership has worked to redress long‑standing issues of human rights violations and rebuild public trust.
In early 2025, IGP Egbetokun repeatedly admonished officers about unlawful and prolonged detentions. He reminded all personnel of the constitutional guarantees under Sections 34 and 35, emphasizing the need to detain suspects only within legally stipulated periods. Officers found breaching these limits face “serious consequences”
I also remember, that, at a major virtual meeting with senior strategic managers in February 2025, the IGP decried gross rights violations and misconduct, implementing directives against misuse of power, such as officers wearing civilian clothes with firearms, and against improper case transfers without written approval.
Through these efforts, IGP Egbetokun has signaled a zero‑tolerance stance: unlawful detention and procedural misconduct will not be tolerated, disciplinary measures follow complaints lodged through proper channels.
Under his tenure, the NPF has strengthened internal oversight mechanisms. IGP Egbetokun has empowered monitoring units and the “X‑Squad” to conduct unbiased investigations into erring officers and ensure sanctions are applied where due.
IGP Egbetokun has also prioritized professional development to shift institutional behavior. This year, IGP Efbi has ordered specialized training for all police personnel, focusing on human rights, community policing, ethical conduct, proportional use of force, and professionalism. Weekly lectures across all command levels were mandated to foster continuous learning and attitudinal change.
As part of this training rollout, special emphasis was placed on communication. A series of training workshops was held for Police Spokespersons, including the most recent one convened in Lagos, intending to improve the quality of public engagement and ensure transparent, rights‑aware messaging. These sessions strengthen the police’s ability to inform citizens clearly and responsibly.
Egbetokun’s leadership has also sought growing collaboration with civic actors. He backed initiatives like the 2024 Nigeria Police Youth Summit, held on International Youth Day in Abuja, to foster dialogue between police and young Nigerians, especially in the aftermath of #EndSARS protests. Engagement Needed
While notable, these initiatives are early steps in a larger reform journey. Greater transparency around individual disciplinary outcomes could strengthen accountability. Publishing data on complaints received, investigations completed, and sanctions applied would demonstrate tangible progress. Moreover, formalizing partnerships with civil society, can help ensure external scrutiny and victim representation in misconduct cases.
Expanding training to include town‑hall style public forums, community policing clinics, and open‑door dialogue with vulnerable groups (e.g. youth, minority communities, press) would drive deeper trust. Tracking and reporting improvements in community perceptions over time can also show results.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun has made visible strides in confronting key human rights challenges, curbing unlawful detention, enhancing officer training on legal and ethical standards, and reinforcing internal disciplinary processes. His engagement with youth and civil society signals a welcome turn toward more inclusive policing.
Still, sustained reform requires deepened collaboration: publishing outcomes of disciplinary cases, strengthening civic partnerships, and scaling dialogues with citizens. That way, the Nigeria Police Force can more credibly rebuild confidence, uphold human rights consistently, and earn back the trust of the communities it serves.
Egbetokun’s leadership has laid important groundwork. Now is the moment to accelerate, deepen, and institutionalize those gains, so that policing in Nigeria meaningfully reflects integrity, responsibility, and respect for all.
God bless Nigeria.
Olufemi Lawson is the Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) Lagos.
