Juliana Francis
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr Solomon Arase, who is also a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), has said that the Nigeria Police Force will be able to confront and overcome the current security challenges, leading to successful security of lives and property of Nigeria.
He said this at the Three-Day Criminal Investigation Conference, held at Black Diamond Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos State, on 22nd to 24th February 2024, with the theme: “Elevating Professionalism In Criminal Investigation For Improved Criminal Justice Delivery.”
He further emphasised this point while applauding the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for coming up with the innovative ideas that birthed the conference.
His words: “Embarking on this intellectual pursuit demands a meticulous examination of the current state of criminal investigation, recognising the formidable challenges faced by law enforcement personnel in navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving criminal landscape.
“In the face of these challenges, I hold a steadfast conviction that the IGP exhibits an unyielding dedication to professionalism, acting as an unwavering beacon poised to navigate the entire Force through the intricacies of this complex maze.
“It is this resolute determination and unwavering resolve that gives me the conviction that the Force will be able to confront and overcome the challenges at hand, forging a path toward enhanced effectiveness and successfully securing the lives and properties of Nigerians.”
According to Arase, the theme of the conference was not only timely but also imperative in molding the trajectory of law enforcement endeavors in terms of machinery, and personnel, not just within the Force Criminal Investigations Department and its annexures, but through the entirety of Nigeria Police Force.
He stated, “I wish to commend the foresight of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in spearheading this significant endeavour. Under his visionary leadership and the strategic placement of astute and erudite officers at the helm of the FCID, especially the FCID Annex in Lagos, I am confident that a culture of excellence and innovation will be nurtured and the Department will be poised to garner commendation and make a significant impact.”
He noted that it was this firm dedication that propelled the Commission towards its goal of setting a benchmark for the utmost level of professionalism in policing, thereby enhancing optimal service delivery to the teeming citizens of our Nation.
Arase expressed his admiration for FCID Annex Lagos in sourcing a diverse and qualified group of participants for the conference, stressing that, “The significance of knowledge-sharing among this esteemed gathering cannot be overstated. It is through collaborative learning that we elevate our practices and collectively contribute to the enhancement of criminal investigation standards.”
He explained that the theme of the Conference underscores the pivotal role that professionalism plays in the realm of criminal investigation.
“It serves as the bedrock upon which the edifice of justice is erected. Professionalism, in the context of criminal investigation, manifests through firm adherence to ethical standards, commitment to excellence, and the establishment of a foundation built on public trust,” said Arase.
He opined that in navigating the complexities of criminal investigation, “we must acknowledge the ever-evolving nature of criminal tactics. Sincere commitment to continuous training and adaptation, in this context, is imperative. It is only by staying ahead of emerging challenges that the Nigeria Police Force will be able to effectively ensure that the pursuit of justice remains effective and relevant.”
He noted that the primary aim of the conference was to enhance police understanding of criminal investigation in alignment with global best practices.
He also further stated that the ultimate objective is to elevate and refine the effective investigative and professional output of all participants, ensuring a comprehensive alignment with the highest standards in the field.
“I anticipate and expect that each participant will actively engage and contribute meaningfully to foster a dynamic and intellectually stimulating learning environment. I highly encourage you to present real-world challenges, establishing a platform where not only are practical solutions formulated but also openly shared. May this assembly function as a forum for the collective exploration of innovative approaches, ensuring the continuous evolution of our understanding of criminal investigation in harmony with the intricacies of the contemporary landscape,” he said.
Arase maintained that beyond conventional partnerships, there was a pressing need for strong collaboration between security agencies.
This, he said, “extends to collaboration with other stakeholders, forging alliances that disrupt criminal networks. Our collective efforts are not only desirable but pivotal to the triumph of our united law enforcement endeavours.”
He said that among the objectives of the conference was to propel the police understanding of criminal investigation to new heights.
He added: “My expectation is for an active and impactful engagement from each participant. I encourage you to bring forth real-world challenges, fostering an environment where practical solutions are crafted and shared. I encourage each participant to actively engage, share insights, and make this seminar impactful in shaping the future of criminal investigation. Together, let us propel our practices to unparalleled heights, standing united against the formidable challenges posed by modern criminality.”
