It's exactly one year since IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun assumed office as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force efforts to grow capacity, improve services, and strengthen relationships with sister services and the public yielded positive results in fight against crime nationwide.
IGP Egbetokun disclosed this today, 20th June 2024 at the Conference with Strategic Police Managers which was held at the Goodluck Jonathan International Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting, according to the IGP is to evaluate internal security operations and activities over the past year, highlighting significant achievements and addressing the major challenges faced. At the meeting, the Strategic Police Managers will also deliberate on security plans to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in achieving smooth gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States later this year.
According to the IGP, his administration took office at a crucial period in Nigeria's democracy, marked by significant tests of democratic credentials and NPF success is founded on teamwork, integrity, and a shared vision for a safer community.
He said, in the past year, NPF have recorded significant crime statistics, including 814 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 2,308 cases of murder, 856 cases of armed robbery, 1,453 cases of kidnapping, and 1,429 other sundry cases.
Also, the Force arrested 35,496 suspects for their participation in various crimes, 1,907 kidnapped victims, and recovered 2,750 firearms, 22,569 ammunition, and 1,540 vehicles nationwide.
We have received tremendous support from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, evidenced by the acquisition of modern operational assets, the declaration of April 7 as National Police Day and various other welfare programs. In terms of promotions, 33,867 officers have been elevated based on merit, competence, and available vacancies in the establishment of the Force. This commitment to fairness and excellence must continue.
He disclosed that NPF is prioritizing human capacity development within the Force, having implemented a range of training programs, including refresher and reorientation courses, across all state commands. These initiatives aim to enhance professionalism and effect positive attitudinal and behavioural changes among our officers, leading to improved service delivery and community engagement.
"Our leadership has also advanced infrastructural development. We shall be commissioning in few days ahead, completed projects such as the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, the International Conference Centre located within the same premises with the Police Resource Centre, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), the Force Intelligence Building, the Force Public Relations School, the Police Intelligence School located in Share, Kwara State and Evidence/Exhibits Storage facilities. We shall also be commissioning newly acquired operational assets including vehicles, APCs, Drones, Gun trucks etc. These projects and operational assets, aim to improve our service delivery, and we seek continued support for further developments.
The IGP who commended the professionalism and restraint exhibited by NPF officers during the labour strikes of July 2023 and June 2024, noted that these situations required tact, wisdom, and objectivity. He said the NPF response showcased commitment to the rule of law, democratic values, and human rights. "It is not all over yet. We will continue to refine our strategies to ensure safety and security at protests and public gatherings.
He also noted that over the past twelve months, NPF have faced significant challenges, from terrorism and banditry to kidnapping and armed robbery. "Despite these threats, we have remained resilient and steadfast in our mandate.
He said the Legal/Prosecutions Section has successfully prosecuted 29,052 criminal cases, securing 16,200 convictions. The IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB) has also arrested suspects and recovered significant quantities of adulterated AGO and stolen crude oil. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit has rendered safe numerous IEDs, enabling the reintegration of communities.
"Nigeria has grappled with various security challenges for years, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, secessionist agitation, cyber-crimes, and other criminalities. To address these, we conceived a special police intervention unit, the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), consisting of specially trained officers focused solely on rapid and proactive crisis intervention. The SIS has achieved significant successes particularly in FCT where it was launched on January 17, 2024. We must continue to sustain our strategies and maintain internal security.
"The need to enhance our Intelligence arm led to the upgrade of the Force Intelligence Bureau to a full-fledged Department, headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police. This strategic investment underscores our commitment to modernizing the Nigeria Police Force. Assistant Commissioners of Police now head both Zonal and State Intelligence Departments, enhancing our operational effectiveness.
"The Nigeria Police Force has a crucial role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. To strengthen our capabilities and demonstrate our commitment to combating financial crimes, we have established dedicated Anti-Money Laundering {AML} Section at the Force Criminal Investigation Department. This will be replicated at all Zonal and State Commands.
"This initiative could not have come at a better time, as the units will enhance our capacity to tackle the menace, investigate and prosecute financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing. Our collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is key in this regard,"the IGP said
IGP Egbetokun urged all Strategic Managers to embrace this initiative at your various duty posts, by assisting the take-off of the Sections and working to prevent financial crimes and make our country a more secured place for all.
He charged them to recognize officers as greatest asset, as the NPF has implemented measures to ensure their well-being during and after service. Initiative like the NPF Housing Summit is aimed at providing housing for all police personnel. "We are also addressing retirees' pension concerns and we hope to achieve enhanced pensions earnings for our retired officers very soon. We have presented cheques totalling ₦9.85 billion to families of deceased officers under the Group Life Assurance Scheme and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme. Additionally, we are progressing steadily towards establishing our own insurance company, the Nigeria Police Insurance Company.
"Motivating our officers is vital for optimal performance. The inaugural Police Commendation and Awards Ceremony on April 16, 2024, recognized and rewarded exceptional service, bravery, and dedication. This initiative promotes excellence and community policing, celebrating our personnel's tireless efforts under challenging circumstances.
"The Special Intervention Squad (SIS) has achieved significant successes in dismantling criminal gangs involved in banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Through various operations, we have:
Arrested numerous suspects
Recovered weapons, including GPMGs
Seized large quantities of ammunition of various calibres
Confiscated Radio Frequency jamming equipment and anti-drone devices being used by bandits.
Rescued many kidnapped victims.
Foiled several bank robbery attempts.
Prevented multiple kidnapping attempts, including attempts by bandits to abduct school in FCT, Niger, Kaduna, and Ogun States.
Also worthy of mentioning is recovery 1,100 registered SIM cards, from a notorious gang operating in FCT and neighbouring States (Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa).
All these were achieved through the resilience and unwavering commitment of our officers as well as enhanced Human and Technical Intelligence capabilities and in synergy with other sister agencies. In cases where our officers were killed or murdered, we have ensured that the perpetrators are brought to justice, tracking them down and holding them accountable."
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has also made strides. As part of our efforts to combat cybercrime, we have developed capabilities to secure our national cyber space. Our cybercrime unit has successfully conducted operations, including joint efforts with international partners such as the FBI, INTERPOL, EUROPOL, British NCA, South Korea Police, and other global law enforcement agencies.
"Recently, we responded to a report of systems in theft of billions of Naira. Our cybercrime unit swiftly took action, apprehending the perpetrators and recovering a substantial portion of the stolen funds. We have secured 8 convictions in the prosecution of the suspects.
"Another significant achievement, worthy of mentioning is the recent arrest of one of the world's top 10 most sophisticated cybercriminals arrested here in Nigeria. We are proud of the progress we are making in the fight against crime and criminality in Nigeria.
"Looking ahead, we must remain vigilant and forward-thinking. Our strategic priorities include enhancing intelligence, engaging youth, strengthening partnerships, ensuring transparency and accountability, implementing police reforms, improving officer welfare and training, embracing technology, and promoting environmentally friendly policing."the IGP Egbetokun stressed