Through improving its investigative techniques, preserving the fundamentals of justice, and making sure that its processes are exhaustive, impartial, and compliant with the highest legal and ethical standards, the Nigeria Police has pledged to preserve and strengthen the integrity of the criminal justice system.
This was made known by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, November 11, 2024, during a conference and workshop programme with the heads of all police investigation units at the Nigeria Police Resource Center, Jabi, Abuja.
The workshop aimed to enhance professionalism and standardization of criminal investigations and refine the investigative practice of every investigative detective in the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring thorough and unbiased procedures and the commitment to safeguarding the foundations of justice. In attendance was a Professor of Law, Professor Ayodele Atseluwa from the University of Lagos, who delivered a lecture on “The Child Justice System in Nigeria: An Overview.”
The IGP emphasised on the Child Rights and International Standards as he said that the Nigeria Police Force’s adherence to global standards, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is a testament to its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.
The statement read, “This alignment underscores our dedication to implementing child-friendly policing practices that are supportive, non-traumatic, and rights-respecting. Our approach is designed to ensure that our interactions with children and young people uphold their dignity and rights while fostering a nurturing and protective environment.
“By embracing international standards, we aim to enhance the trust and confidence between the community and law enforcement. This is crucial in situations involving young individuals, where the manner in which law enforcement officers engage can have lasting impacts on their perceptions of safety and justice. Child-friendly policing not only protects children but also educates and empowers them, emphasising their rights and the responsibilities of society to uphold them.
“Furthermore, adopting such practices positions our officers not merely as enforcers of the law but as advocates and protectors of every citizen’s welfare, particularly the young. This approach encourages a more compassionate and understanding interaction between police and the community, which is essential for building a cooperative relationship that benefits all members of society.
“Overall, our commitment to upholding international child rights standards is integral to building a more inclusive and protective community policing framework. This framework not only supports the development of healthy relationships between law enforcement and community members but also ensures that the rights of the most vulnerable are consistently respected and protected.
On the protocols on care of persons in custody, the IGP said the Nigeria Police unwavering commitment to upholding stringent protocols for the care of persons in custody is a cornerstone of its operational ethics, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations such as children.
The statement read further, “These meticulously designed protocols are tailored to guarantee that every individual detained under our supervision is treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and humanity. This approach is essential not only for meeting legal and ethical standards but also for safeguarding the rights and well-being of those in our custody.
“By ensuring that these protocols are rigorously followed, we reinforce our dedication to human rights principles and ethical law enforcement practices. This commitment is crucial for fostering a robust relationship of trust and confidence between the police force and the community we serve. Moreover, the implementation of these protocols helps prevent any instances of abuse or neglect that could undermine the integrity of our force and erode public trust.
“Adherence to these standards involves regular training and education of our officers to handle custody issues sensitively and professionally. It also requires continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that our practices remain in alignment with national and international human rights standards. By doing so, we not only protect those in our care but also position the Nigeria Police Force as a model of responsible and ethical policing.
“This adherence to high standards in custodial care is more than a procedural necessity; it is a moral imperative that reinforces our role as protectors of the community. It establishes a foundation of ethical practices that enhance our interactions with the public, ensuring that our actions reflect the values of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
On the implementation of child-friendly policing, IGP Egbetokun further said that child-friendly policing is essential to modern law enforcement practices.
“Every interaction with a child, whether as a victim, witness, or even an offender, must be carried out with sensitivity and professionalism. To implement this, we are introducing a comprehensive Child-Friendly Policing Framework that mandates specialised training for officers who engage with minors.
“This framework will include trauma-informed investigative techniques, emphasising the importance of non-intimidating environments, respectful communication, and psychological support.
“By adopting these child-sensitive approaches, we are ensuring that minors are not subjected to further trauma during police investigations while fostering an environment that encourages them to cooperate with law enforcement.
To address the cases of incompetence, tarnishing the Force’s image, and eroding public confidence, the IGP listed some urgent steps to weed out unprofessional officers and strengthen police Investigation and Intelligence Departments vis-à-vis mobilisation and demobilisation of officers in investigation units; mandatory specialised detective training; certification of detective officers; annual Detective Workshops; establishment of New Detective Colleges; creation of a New Unit at Force Headquarters; and training for intelligence department officers.
“These steps mark a decisive moment in the professionalisation of criminal investigations within the Nigeria Police Force. By adhering to high standards of child protection, custody care, and continuous training, we are building a stronger, more competent force that will lead to the realisation of a just and secure society, the IGP concluded.
