The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has charged critical security stakeholders to embrace a hybrid policing approach which integrates traditional methods with modern techniques.
IGP Egbetokun ably represented by DIG Bala Ciroma gave the charge while delivering his keynote address at the maiden edition of Police and Executive Forum. The forum, convened for the heads of security agencies and other stakeholders in Nigeria, is meant to deliberate on the topic "the necessary reforms required for effective policing in Nigeria, Use of technology and other non-kinetic approach in policy.
The IGP noted that the adoption of a cutting edge technology is paramount in enhancing our policing capabilities. This ranges from Advanced Technical surveillance Systems, to use up data analytics tools which should be combined with grassroots and social connectivity with the populace.
He said that technology can significantly orgament our crime fighting efforts and improve response our times. Crime and Criminality in Nigerian and globally have become more sophisticated and technology driven.Of a truth, providing adequate security in our contemporary society going forward would be mostly cyber dependent and require diversify and non-kinetic approach.
He stressed that "this is a critical aspect of our nation security framework as the landscape enforcement continued to rapidly evolve. It is therefore imperative that we adopt these changes to better serve and protect our people, communities, and the nation as a whole. It is often said that prevention is better than cure. And this holds true in policing as well.
"Focusing on the preventive measures such as community engagement, Improved educational systems and early intervention, proper programmes can aid to disrupt the cycle of criminality before it escalates.
"While the traditional methods of policing have long been in use by law enforcement agencies. They are no longer sufficient to combat the sophistication evolving nature of crimes in our nation. Banditry and other violent crimes pervading the various political zones of the nation require tougher and, yes, hopefully tactful skills in curtailing them."
The IGP therefore called on all stakeholders to join hands in supporting the Nigeria police force and all the security agencies in their quest for reform and modernization. "We seek partnership and collaboration with Independent development partners to boost our efforts on hybrid policy approach. Together, let us work towards a safer and more secure Nigeria where every citizen can live without fear and where justice prevails.
The Nigeria police force in a bid to adequately enforce provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it relates to policing and the Police Act 2020, as amended has begin the review of the legal framework called Police Regulations. This is expected to improve our position standards with their view to modernising the force and enhancing its capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of crimes and national security threats.
An institutional reforms such as the order review of the police relation is essential to improve accountability, transparency, and professionalism within the force. Beyond review of the police regulations, the structuring of the police, campaign against cultism and other vices is another approach by the Nigeria police force.
This is get towards addressing the root cause of crimes in our society such as trafficking, and the use of hard drugs, cultism and gangsterism. Through coordinated preventive measures and engaging with at risk use, we aim to deter the criminal behaviour among our youths and break the cycle of violence.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa ably represented by Director of Operations DHQ, Maj. General Kevin Ukandu stressed on the solution to insecurity in Nigeria, which is Good Governance.
Quoting from his leadership concept as the Chief of Defence Staff, which is “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People – Centric, Collaborative and Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint Environment”. General Musa said during one of his appearances at the National Assembly, he made it clear that good governance will eradicate insecurity in Nigeria.
"We have realised that the magic way to address the insecurity in Nigeria and any other place in the world is "Good Governance".
“Accordingly, my leadership concept will be hinged on 3 pillars which include being people-centric, prioritizing troops’ welfare while deepening jointness and interagency collaboration.
General Musa also harped on public education on law and offences. He said, a critical mass of Nigerians do not know the law, they do not know what is wrong or right.
He emphasized that every citizen of Nigeria has the right and by Law has the power to arrest offenders. He also stressed the need for a National Emergency number any citizen can call when a crime is committed.
He urged all stakeholders to make sure the country survives by remaining focused and committed to the security and stability of Nigeria.
Delivering his lecture, Professor Etannibi Alemika said that insecurity is a major problem in the country, is worsening and due to bad governance, poor governance.
"The root cause of insecurity and if you want to solve the problem, is to offer good governance, of course, indeed, and empower the Security Agencies to deal with the insecurity. First and foremost, those who have political Power to allocate national resources must do it fairly, justly and for development, in which case every citizen is protected from poverty from the provisions and then they can now be able to resist crime, violence and the other serious crime that we presently confronting.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr Gad Peter said the forum serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that will shape the future of policing.
"As we gather here today, we come together not just as leaders in law enforcement, but as partners united in our commitment to serve and protect our communities with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.
"As policing executives, you play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities. It is only through collaboration and open dialogue that we can address the complex issues facing law enforcement today in Nigeria. In our rapidly evolving world, the challenges we face are multifaceted, ranging from addressing crime and maintaining public safety to fostering trust and accountability within our communities.
"The good news is that we have gathered together some of the brightest minds in law enforcement to discuss challenges, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions. As policing executives, you bear a weighty responsibility to lead with vision, to adapt to change, and to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.
"Your decisions impact the lives of those you serve and the well-being of our gallant officers. It is imperative that we approach our roles with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to continuous improvement. Furthermore, we play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities. It is only through collaboration and open dialogue that we can address the complex issues facing law enforcement today."he stressed.
Mr Peter noted that throughout the forum, there will be opportunity to explore a diverse array of topics, from innovative policing strategies to the latest advancements in technology and from leadership development to community engagement. "I encourage each of you to actively participate, to share your experiences and expertise, and to learn from one another."
SpyeTV News report that POCACOV has been tasked with providing alternative pathways for vulnerable youths who are susceptible to joining organised criminal elements. Through mandated campaigns and community policing Principles, we seek to sway the yet uncompromising dividuals away from a life of crime and towards constructive engagement in life.
The Objectives Of Preventive Policing Unit (POCACOV) is to sensitise members of the public on the dangers of belonging to cult groups and embracing criminality and its tendency, to reawaken the security consciousness of the public, to promote positive values and inculcate moral values in our youths and re-awaken that of adults' civic responsibilities.
To strengthen support system for all aspects of socializations, the aim is to make crime involvement unattractive, thus reducing crimes, to promote and institutionalize preventive policing over reactive policing in Nigeria, to improve on the Nigeria Police Force's image and close the gap between the police and her publics and to contribute to making vulnerable criminals better and productive citizens.
POCACOV is policing for the society, instead of policing of the society. It seeks to enhance the value of life of the society by ensuring crimes and criminality are deterred before they exist, through advocacy, rehabilitat, ion and empowerment.
Dignitaries at the maiden edition of Police and Executive Forum includes, representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, representative from the Senate, Chairman House Committee on Police affairs, ministry of Justice, stakeholders from security agencies, among others.
