...announces operational breakthroughs, pension reform advocacy, and new morale-boosting incentives
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to national security, institutional reform, and personnel welfare. Speaking at the Strategic Police Officers Conference held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, the IGP laid out a comprehensive performance review while unveiling strategic initiatives to reinforce operational effectiveness and officer morale.
Addressing senior police officers from across the country, the IGP emphasised that the conference was a pivotal moment to “realign focus, recalibrate strategy, and renew our collective resolve.” Commending officers for their courage and commitment amidst rising security threats, he acknowledged their daily sacrifices as the cornerstone of public safety.
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Operational Achievements: 5,488 Suspects Arrested, 170 Kidnap Victims Rescued
In a detailed review of recent policing efforts, Dr. Egbetokun reported major operational successes between June and July 2025. During the period, the Force arrested 5,488 suspects across a spectrum of serious crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, cybercrime, and homicide. A total of 316 firearms, 2,884 rounds of ammunition, and 216 stolen or unregistered vehicles were recovered, while 170 kidnapped victims were safely rescued—many from remote and dangerous enclaves.
He spotlighted several tactical wins:
In Kogi State, 24 kidnapped passengers were rescued after a fierce gun duel with abductors.
In Benue, operatives intercepted large arms shipments and dismantled a weapons syndicate.
In Edo, 14 victims were freed in a collaborative operation with local security.
In Taraba, all 17 passengers from an ambushed commercial bus were rescued.
In Jigawa, a cybercrime syndicate was busted with over $46,000 in counterfeit currency.
“These are not just statistics,” the IGP asserted. “They represent lives saved, peace restored, and the courage of officers who risked everything.”
Force Welfare and Contributory Pension Reform: “A Crisis of Morale”
Turning to the plight of retired officers, the IGP delivered a passionate address on the inadequacies of the current Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing the situation as “morally unacceptable.”
“Many of our retired heroes live in humiliating conditions. Their pensions are grossly inadequate for healthcare, shelter, or dignity,” he said.
He acknowledged the growing anxiety among serving officers about post-retirement life, warning that this has already begun to erode morale across the ranks. However, he assured the Force that leadership was actively engaging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to secure a just exit from the CPS and explore sustainable alternatives.
“This is not the time for impulsive action, but for strategic patience. Let us allow ongoing negotiations to bear fruit,” he appealed to retired officers.
New Incentive Scheme: Accelerated Promotion for Exemplary Service
To bolster motivation within the ranks, the IGP announced a new welfare initiative: any officer who wins the IGP’s Award for Exceptional Professionalism twice consecutively will now qualify for accelerated promotion.
“This is more than a reward—it is a call to excellence. We are building a culture where exceptional service is not only recognized but advanced,” he said.
Strategic Vision: Intelligence-Led, Tech-Enabled, Community-Rooted Policing
Recognizing the dynamic nature of contemporary threats, the IGP emphasized a shift toward intelligence-driven, technology-enabled, and community-rooted policing strategies. He said today’s adversaries are transnational, ideological, and often operate in the digital space, necessitating a coordinated and agile response.
“We must adapt. We must innovate. Crime does not pause, and neither should we,” he charged.
Commitment to Transparency and Public Confidence
The IGP urged Commands across the country to prioritize strategic communication of policing successes to restore public trust and counter misinformation.
“The public deserves to know that their police are working—and working smart. Visibility, transparency, and performance are essential to reclaiming our narrative,” he said.
A Force Transformed
Dr. Egbetokun ended his remarks with a call to leadership, professionalism, and unity.
“Leadership at your level is not a title—it is a daily performance. Let us be remembered not just for what we fought against, but what we stood for: trust restored, confidence earned, and a Force transformed,” he concluded.
The IGP’s address marks a clear and bold blueprint for the future of the Nigeria Police Force—one that prioritizes operational excellence, personnel welfare, strategic communication, and institutional integrity. As security challenges evolve, so too must the Force’s methods, morale, and message.