By Kelvin Adegbenga
It has become all too common for self-styled activists to amplify narratives that are far removed from the reality of institutional progress. The latest of such is Deji Adeyanju’s recent attempt to cast aspersions on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), claiming there is a “deepening rot” within the institution.
Not only is this assertion unfounded, but it also unfairly targets a police force currently undergoing visible reforms under the stewardship of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
To be clear, the Nigeria Police Force is not without its challenges; no police institution anywhere in the world is perfect. However, to paint the Force as being in terminal decline at a time when deliberate steps are being taken to rebuild, restructure, and reposition it for modern-day policing is both misleading and demoralising.
IGP Egbetokun has been at the helm of a transformation agenda that prioritises accountability, operational excellence, and citizen-centred policing. His administration has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the force: restructuring tactical teams, streamlining promotions based on merit, and placing integrity and discipline at the heart of policing culture.
Under his leadership, hundreds of officers have undergone reorientation and professional development, while technological innovations and community engagement strategies have been expanded to rebuild trust.
What Mr Adeyanju describes as “rot” could, in truth, be better described as resistance from entrenched interests opposed to reform. Any meaningful transformation will rattle the status quo, and as seen throughout history, those who benefit from institutional decay are often the loudest critics when progress begins to manifest.
Moreover, the public should be wary of blanket criticisms that fail to differentiate between isolated misconduct and systemic regression. Yes, bad eggs still exist, just as in every organisation, but there is a clear and documented effort by the current police leadership to weed them out. Officers have been suspended, tried, and dismissed for unethical behaviour, and internal mechanisms are being strengthened for improved transparency.
Critics like Adeyanju must ask themselves a sincere question: Are they genuinely interested in a better police force, or are they invested in the perpetual delegitimisation of state institutions for political mileage or personal relevance?
The Nigeria Police Force under IGP Egbetokun has not only shown a willingness to reform, but it is actively doing so. The journey is not without hurdles, but it is dishonest to suggest that nothing is being done or that the situation is deteriorating. Nigerians deserve facts, not fearmongering.
It’s time we recognised that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. What we owe the Force, and by extension our nation, is constructive criticism rooted in truth, not inflammatory rhetoric that seeks to undermine genuine efforts at change.
If anything, Deji Adeyanju’s comments should be seen for what they are: a distraction from the commendable gains being made under a police leadership committed to accountability, excellence, and service. The Nigeria Police Force is far from perfect, but under IGP Egbetokun, it is certainly not rotten; it is rising.
Kelvin Adegbenga writes from Ikeja, Lagos. kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com @kelvinadegbenga
