The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police to accountability and transparency in policing, emphasizing that these principles are fundamental to fostering public trust and enhancing community safety.
Speaking at the National Summit on Police Accountability, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel today, the IGP highlighted the critical role of police accountability as a cornerstone of democratic policing, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more effective and trustworthy law enforcement system. Since assuming office the IGP has implemented significant measures to enhance internal oversight and promote accountability, including the expansion of the Complaint Response Unit, the reorganization of the IGP Monitoring Unit, and improved Public Engagement, among others.
Present at the event was Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of the Ministry of Police Affairs, who was represented by Mrs. Bolanle Aderenle, the Director of Inspectorate.
Also in attendance were DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, the representative from the UNODC Country Office – Nigeria, along with other distinguished guests.
The Inspector General of Police further emphasized the essential nature of collaboration in achieving effective police accountability, asserting that the police cannot fulfil this responsibility in isolation. The IGP called upon citizens to engage actively in the accountability process, highlighting that a transparent and inclusive strategy will help to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the community.
In another development, the IGP has reiterated the readiness of the force to restructure and standardize the forensic processes and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of police investigations and criminal prosecutions. This commitment was emphasized by the IGP during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and a group of Police Crime Scene Investigators who have undergone comprehensive training in the aspects and principles of forensic investigations.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach by the police force to adapt to the evolving landscape of criminal activities and leverage advanced forensic techniques to enhance the overall efficiency and credibility of police operations and judicial outcomes.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a culture of accountability, dedicated to building a system where every officer, regardless of rank, upholds justice and equity, and where every citizen can hold the police accountable, ultimately transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a world-class institution esteemed for its excellence and trusted by all.