The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP),Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, has warned men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force that his administration will not tolerate misconduct and abuse of power.
Egbetokun made this warning after taking over the mantle of leadership from the outgoing IGP, Alkali Baba Usman in Wednesday in Abuja.
The Acting IGP disclosed that his team will introduce proactive steps to instill discipline across all ranks of the Force.
“Accountability will be the cornerstone of my tenure as the Inspector General of Police. I am committed to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the Police Force.
“We will prioritize new ways of recruiting, training, and equipping our officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently, and with excellence and this we will do to the admiration of the people that we serve.”
While revealing that his administration will hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust, he said: “To regain the trust of the Nigerian people, we will establish a robust internal system to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Police Force. Additionally, we will actively promote a working culture that will encourage officers and citizens alike to report instances of corruption or abuse they may witness.”
The Acting IGP said that the police force under his watch will be a beacon of integrity and that: “We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
“Henceforth, every police officer will be selected not only for their skills but also for their compassion, empathy, and commitment to public service.
“We will invest in innovative ways to foster ongoing training, promoting a culture of continuous learning where we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and the challenges of our times.
“Furthermore, we will embark on an ambitious and visible program of community policing. We recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the safety and well-being of our communities.
“To achieve this, we will forge stronger ties between the police and the public, fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.
“Regular citizen engagement and community interaction programs will create meaningful dialogue and collaboration opportunities.”
IGP Egbetokun Olukayode noted that the fight against crime and insecurity will receive top priority in his administration.
“The fight against crime and insecurity will also be a top priority as well as the welfare of our officers.
“We will strengthen our intelligence-gathering capabilities, bolster inter-agency cooperation, and enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will unveil plans and strategies to secure the nation and build enduring peace across our communities.
“We are the Nigeria Police Force and we will live up to our constitutional obligation as the primary agency for internal peace in Nigeria. We will be bold about this duty.
“We will also adopt a technology-driven approach to law enforcement, leveraging modern tools and techniques to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of our resources.
“New policies to promote the welfare of officers will be implemented in the months ahead. We will provide support structures for our police officers that will cater for their peculiar physical, psychological and emotional needs as law enforcement officers.
“We will introduce unprecedented well-being programs to strengthen the hearts and minds of every officer.”
He, therefore, called on Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in what he described as the transformative journey.
“The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we stand together as a united front. I encourage every Nigerian to embrace civic duty, report suspicious activities, and work hand in hand with the police to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
“Let me reiterate my unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law. The Nigeria Police Force, under my leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability.”