The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to institutional reforms, intelligence-led policing, and professionalism, as he received retired Inspectors-General of Police during a solidarity visit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Welcoming the distinguished former police chiefs, the IGP described their visit as a demonstration of unity, continuity, and shared service, noting that their presence reflected the enduring spirit that defines the Nigeria Police Force.
He expressed deep appreciation for their contributions to national security, describing them as fathers of the Force who had shaped its direction and devoted the best years of their lives to the peace and stability of the nation.
According to the IGP, the visit was significant as it brought together past and present leadership, strengthening institutional memory and providing an opportunity to benefit from their wealth of experience and counsel.
Speaking on the evolving security environment, the IGP noted that Nigeria faces emerging threats ranging from violent crime to cybercrime, communal tensions, and other complex challenges, stressing that the Force remains focused on intelligence-driven and professional responses.
He emphasised that modern policing goes beyond enforcement and requires public trust, ethical conduct, accountability, and a people-centred approach that prioritises the safety and confidence of citizens.
The IGP highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen proactive policing through improved coordination, enhanced intelligence sharing, and disruption of criminal networks, while also strengthening inter-agency collaboration to ensure a unified national security response.
He further disclosed that the Force was placing renewed attention on improving the quality of investigations, case-file integrity, evidence handling, and forensic support to ensure that arrests translate into successful prosecution and lasting deterrence.
Outlining key reforms introduced in the last two years, the IGP revealed that the Intelligence Unit had been upgraded to a full Department to strengthen crime prevention and operational planning. He also announced the elevation of the Legal Unit to a Directorate to enhance legal oversight, prosecution support, and institutional accountability.
In the area of personnel welfare, he noted that the Medical Unit had been upgraded to a Directorate, alongside the digitisation of medical records to improve service delivery for officers nationwide.
The IGP also disclosed the expansion of the Police Mobile Force with the creation of additional Squadrons, increasing the number from 74 to 80 to boost rapid response capacity in addressing high-risk security challenges.
He added that new Area Commands and Divisions had been established across the country to bring policing closer to the people and improve operational efficiency, while a new tactical formation, the Special Intervention Squad, had been deployed for targeted operations in several states.
The police chief further reiterated the importance of ethics, discipline, and professionalism, noting that weekly training sessions on professional conduct and service standards had been made compulsory at the State Command level.
On personnel management, he stated that the Force had maintained a transparent and merit-driven promotion system, disclosing that over 141,000 officers across all ranks had been promoted in the past two years.
The IGP also expressed concern over what he described as campaigns of misinformation and false narratives against public institutions and senior officials, stressing that the Force would remain focused on professionalism, transparency, and responsible engagement with the public.
He assured the retired IGPs that the ongoing reforms were part of a broader institutional transformation aimed at building a modern, technologically adaptive, and trusted Police Force capable of meeting Nigeria’s security needs.
In their response, the retired police chiefs commended the ongoing reforms and pledged continued support, guidance, and mentorship to ensure the growth and stability of the Nigeria Police Force.
The visit concluded with renewed commitment to collaboration between past and present leadership in strengthening institutional capacity, public trust, and national security.
