By Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun
“We have finalized plans for specialised training in forensic investigation, intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, and cybercrime detection.”
It is with profound honour and a deep sense of duty that I welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers.
This annual gathering serves as a crucial platform for assessing our administrative and operational strategies, exchanging insights, and realigning our policing objectives with the evolving global security landscape in Nigeria.
Over the past few years, each edition of this conference has offered valuable insights that have shaped contemporary policing in Nigeria, promoting innovation, collaboration, and best practices. In particular, the most recent conference was incredibly impactful. When we last gathered in Owerri for the fourth edition of this conference and retreat, we convened under the theme “Fostering Economic Prosperity, Social Integration, and Political Development Through Enhanced Internal Security Mechanisms.” It highlighted the crucial roles of security in national development, emphasizing how a secure nation promotes economic growth, strengthens social cohesion, and fosters political stability. Over the past year, we have diligently worked to implement measures that align with this vision.
Today, we gather under the theme, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing.” This theme naturally flows from our last conference. While we previously focused on the broader integration of security mechanisms into national development, we now emphasise the critical aspect of inclusive policing: Highlighting the imperativeness of an all-society policing approach to addressing current security challenges and enhancing economic prosperity.
This year’s theme captures the essence of our strategic direction. It Mirrors President Bola Amend Tinubu’s security vision and underscores our determination to cultivate a police force that is professionally competent, intelligence-driven, and equipped to confront emerging threats proactively.
To achieve an in-depth discussion and deepen reflection by participants, the theme has been organized around nine sub-themes as follows:
Sub-theme
- Strategizing on a Force Action Plan for Inclusive Policing in Nigeria
- The imperative of adopting New Policing Strategies in Africa: A Study of Rwanda
- Crime Outlook for 2024/2025: Preparing the Force for New Internal Security Challenges
- Law Enforcement Guidance for Policing Public Demonstrations and Protests: The African Experience
- Nigeria’s Cybercrime Outlook: Threats and Opportunities
- Welfare of police officers as motivation for attaining professionalism, increased output and enhanced service delivery.
- Recent Efforts in Global Police Cooperation and Impact on Countering Violent Extremism in Africa
- Building Sustainable Police-Citizen Partnership Through Deliberate Media Engagements.
- Tackling Misinformation, Disinformation and fake news – A significant challenge fueling insecurity and impeding socio-economic progress especially as it affect Nigeria Police Force.
Our nation continues to confront complex threats, including violent crimes, cyber-related offenses, terrorism, and transnational organized crimes. To effectively address these challenges, intelligence-led policing must remain at the core of our operations. We are therefore committed to deepening strategic partnerships with both domestic and international security agencies while enhancing community engagement to bolster public trust and promote active citizen participation in policing.
Building on the successes of previous conferences, we have undertaken major reforms in investigative procedures, prioritizing forensic analysis, digital case management, and improved judicial collaboration. The reorganisation of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other specialized units has been a priority, ensuring that our detectives operate in line with globally accepted best practices.
Furthermore, recognizing the growing threat of cybercrime, we have strengthened the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), complemented by the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Unit. These units, in collaboration with the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), are actively working to combat financial crimes and ensure Nigeria’s compliance with international security and financial regulations.
Our intensified operations and commitment to the cooperation with the military and other security agencies in our fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other organized crimes have yielded significant results, in the past year alone. Moving forward, all commands and formations have been mandated to implement a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025 this also will form a crucial part of our discussion at this conference.
Recognizing the indispensable role of public trust in effective policing, we launched the Nigeria Police Youth Summit in 2024 to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the younger generation. We intend to build on this initiative by expanding youth engagement programs nationwide, reinforcing our commitment to community-driven policing.
To further enhance the welfare of our officers, we have initiated strategic housing schemes. Under my leadership, the first-ever Police Housing Summit was convened, leading to the reconstruction of dilapidated barracks and the development of new office and accommodation facilities across the country. Our personnel, who work tirelessly to protect lives and property, deserve the best, and their welfare remains a top priority of this administration.
Investment in human capital is also paramount. We have finalized plans for specialized training in forensic investigation, intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, and cybercrime detection. These training programs will be conducted in collaboration with both local and international stakeholders to ensure our officers are equipped with the requisite skills for modern law enforcement.
As we continue with the current policing year, our focus remains steadfast on enhancing intelligence-sharing, strengthening forensic and digital investigative capabilities, and upholding zero tolerance for corruption and human right violation within the Force. Simultaneously, we will continue to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our officers to boost morale and enhance service delivery.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, security threats and policing challenges are experienced everywhere across the world. As a result, there has been an increasing knowledge sharing among police leaders in different countries. During the last year’s Retreat, I hosted the President of INTERPOL, Major-General Ahmed Naser El-Rufai. I am glad to report, that during this year’s Conference, I am hosting two Inspectors-General of Police from African Countries – Kenya and Rwanda. Their presence at this Conference underscores our emphasis on international cooperation. Notably, in training, knowledge and intelligence-sharing and technical support.
This annual conference and retreat (the fifth edition) was originally scheduled for November 2024 but had to be rescheduled for operational reasons. Consequently, another retreat (for this year) will take place later in 2025, hopefully this will be hosted by one of our northern states. In conclusion, distinguished officers, the challenges before us are significant, but with strategic innovation, unwavering professionalism, and meaningful community partnerships, we will continue to make remarkable progress. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in adapting to contemporary security challenges, ensuring safety and stability for all Nigerians.
As we embark on this transformative journey of learning, reflection, and collaboration, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his steadfast and unwavering support of the police and the security sector. My sincere appreciation also extends to our dedicated partners, whose constant commitment and invaluable resources have made this vital event possible.
Thank you to our esteemed guests and participants for contributing your time and insights to this essential discourse. Your input is valued; it will be instrumental in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria. With your collective wisdom and dedication, I am confident that we will emerge from this retreat with actionable resolutions that will reinforce our role as enablers of security and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
As we engage in deliberations over the next few days, I encourage all participants to contribute meaningfully toward developing innovative and actionable strategies that will shape the future of policing in Nigeria. Together, we will build a safer and more prosperous nation.
Thank you, and may God bless the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Address By The Inspector-General Of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, At The Opening Ceremony Of The 2025 Conference And Retreat For Senior Police Officers, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Held On 24th February 2025
