The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reiterated the Nigeria Police Force dedication to accountability and transparency as the pillars of public trust and safety. Speaking at the National Summit on Police Accountability on December 3, 2024, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the IGP called for collective efforts to build a more effective and trustworthy policing system.
“Police accountability is the cornerstone of democratic policing,” the IGP stated. “We cannot achieve this responsibility in isolation. I urge citizens to actively participate in the accountability process to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the community.”
The summit was attended by notable dignitaries, including Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by Mrs. Bolanle Aderenle, Director of Inspectorate at the Ministry of Police Affairs, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd.), Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), alongside other distinguished guests.
The IGP highlighted significant steps taken under his leadership to promote internal oversight, including the expansion of the Complaint Response Unit for better public engagement, the reorganization of the IGP Monitoring Unit to strengthen internal checks, and regular interaction with citizens to foster transparency and trust. He also announced plans to restructure and standardize police forensic processes, reflecting a proactive approach to improving investigations and criminal prosecutions. During a meeting with a delegation from the UNODC and trained Police Crime Scene Investigators, the IGP emphasized the importance of leveraging advanced forensic techniques to combat evolving criminal activities. “This initiative aims to enhance the credibility and efficiency of police operations while ensuring that judicial outcomes are based on scientific evidence,” the IGP said.
Dr. Egbetokun assured Nigerians of the force’s resolve to uphold justice and equity at all levels. “We remain committed to fostering a culture of accountability where every officer is answerable for their actions and where citizens can trust the police to uphold their rights,” he added. The Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to these reforms underscores its vision of becoming a globally respected institution, trusted by citizens and renowned for operational excellence.
