President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a message to officers and men of the police, urging them to reject corruption and authoritarian behavior to regain the trust and confidence of Nigerians. He shared this message during the Conference and Retreat for Commissioners of Police and higher-ranking officers in Owerri, Imo State.
The President, represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, stressed the importance of professional ethics and integrity. He called on senior officers and leaders to set the highest standards of conduct and serve as examples for their subordinates.
He emphasized that upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability is crucial to building trust and confidence among the Nigerian people. The President urged collaboration to eliminate corruption and misconduct within the police force, with the ultimate goal of creating a respected and admired police force.
President Tinubu recognized the challenges faced by law enforcement, including organized crime, terrorism, cyber threats, and communal conflicts. However, he expressed confidence that with the right strategies, resources, and determination, these challenges could be overcome to create a safer Nigeria.
The President highlighted the significance of the retreat as a platform for meaningful discussions, sharing ideas, and learning from each other’s experiences. He encouraged the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and complex case investigations. He also emphasized the importance of community engagement in building trust and promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility for security.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, discussed the priorities of his administration, which include improving officers’ capabilities, standardizing service delivery, promoting transparency and accountability, upholding citizens’ rights, and addressing the welfare of officers. He mentioned the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to rapidly respond to major incidents and the need for reorientation programs to emphasize human rights, the rule of law, and citizen-focused policing.
The host, Governor Uzodinma, added that police officers needed to acquire high-technology-driven amphibious skills for air and marine policing to combat threats like crude oil theft, cybercrime, and banditry, which are modern-day challenges to the nation’s security.