Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has made a strong case for a fundamental shift in the country’s policing structure.
Speaking at the Maiden Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Mr Egbetokun called for the decentralization of the Police Force and the immediate nationwide implementation of community policing.
Explaining the limitations of the current centralised model, the IGP emphasised the need to empower state-level police departments with clearly defined roles and oversight mechanisms. He argued that this decentralization would enhance local responsiveness and effectiveness in tackling crime.
The police boss also stressed the critical importance of integrating modern technology into law enforcement operations. He advocated for the introduction of digital surveillance systems, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and drones, in major cities. To bolster police accountability and transparency, he also recommended the deployment of body cameras for officers.
The number one Police officer in the country stated that achieving lasting peace, security, and the overall well-being of Nigerians requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. He called for stronger partnerships between the police, government institutions, community leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and other relevant entities to foster a holistic approach to policing.
“Nigeria can achieve lasting peace and stability, improving the overall safety and quality of life for its citizens, by addressing the challenges impeding effective policing.
“Ultimately, a reformed and empowered police force, backed by a supportive network of stakeholders, can contribute to building a more secure and just society for all Nigerians,” IGP Egbetokun stated.
Acknowledging the existing challenges, the IGP called for comprehensive reforms, increased funding, and the adoption of modern policing techniques to enhance the capabilities of the police and build greater public trust. He specifically recommended removing the police from the envelope budget system to allow for more flexible funding of essential projects and advocated for increased resource allocation for equipment and training.
Prioritizing continuous training, particularly in specialized areas like cybercrime and human rights, was also highlighted as crucial for improving police effectiveness.
Mr. Egbetokun urged investment in police welfare, including better salaries, housing, healthcare, and career development opportunities, as key measures to reduce corruption and boost job performance.
The need for robust inter-agency collaboration was another key point, with the IGP emphasising the importance of a well-coordinated national security strategy involving the police, military, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement bodies.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Noah Yusuf, echoed the IGP’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of collaborative intelligence gathering and effective policing in creating a crime-free, peaceful, and prosperous society. He stressed the necessity of synergy among all security operatives and stakeholders to ensure effective community policing and the protection of lives and property.
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