IGP Reaffirms Stance on State Police

By Iyojo Ameh

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun has restated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the federal government’s position on the creation of state police.

This affirmation was made during a visit to Lagos by the Coordinating Deputy Inspector General of Police, South-West, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, representing the IGP.

Egbetokun’s statement comes amidst ongoing debates regarding the implementation of state police in Nigeria. Earlier, on April 22, 2024, he had expressed concerns about the country’s readiness for decentralized police forces, citing issues of maturity.

During a press briefing, DIG Alabi, speaking on behalf of IGP Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism within the police force.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to executing its duties responsibly, ensuring that our actions are always lawful and respect human rights,” Alabi affirmed.

IGP Egbetokun also addressed the welfare of police officers, announcing initiatives aimed at improving their living conditions. These include partnerships with consultants to facilitate housing for police personnel, enabling them to own homes soon.

Furthermore, the IGP instructed the officer in charge of Police Medical to conduct comprehensive mental and psychological evaluations for Lagos State command personnel, emphasizing their mental and physical well-being.

Regarding inter-agency cooperation, Egbetokun stressed the importance of collaboration with other security bodies for national security. He urged officers to engage with youth proactively, educating them about the dangers of cultism as part of broader efforts to tackle the issue.

The meeting concluded with remarks from Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who highlighted the success of recent collaborative crime prevention strategies, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates across Lagos.