The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing internal security and economic prosperity through inclusive policing at the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers. The high-profile event, held at H3 Event Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from February 24 to 26, 2025, brought together top police officials, government representatives, security experts, and international partners.
The opening ceremony was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.
Also present were high-ranking police officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kenya National Police Service, and President of AFRIPOL, IGP Douglas Kanja Kirocho, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Rwanda National Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, who also serves as the President of the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation (EAPCCO). Other dignitaries included Ogun State Governor Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, representatives of the National Assembly, heads of paramilitary organizations, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olu Olukeyede.
The conference gathered 170 senior police officers, including five Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, 37 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and 120 Commissioners of Police from across the country.
During the event, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing increased funding, infrastructure development, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration. He stressed that effective policing is essential for national security and economic stability.
Governor Abiodun highlighted Ogun State’s efforts in security enhancement, including the reconstitution of the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.
He announced plans for the deployment of electric motorcycles and surveillance drones to improve policing efforts and community safety.
Rwanda’s Inspector-General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, spoke on the significance of regional and international collaboration, stating that African law enforcement agencies must strengthen intelligence-sharing and capacity-building programs to tackle transnational crime.
He emphasized that inclusive policing is a crucial factor in promoting security and economic development.
The issue of mental health among police officers was a key topic of discussion. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku called for the institutionalization of psychological assessments, stress management programs, and counseling services before and after retirement.
He stressed that officers face enormous pressures in the line of duty, and their well-being must be prioritized.
Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun underscored the importance of intelligence-led, people-centered, and community-driven policing.
He noted that law enforcement must move beyond reactive measures and embrace proactive strategies that foster trust between the police and the communities they serve.
The NPF-National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) reported notable achievements in cybercrime prevention. Officials revealed that five digital forensic laboratories had been established, leading to the recovery of over ₦8 billion and $80,000 in assets through cybercrime investigations. There were also discussions on Nigeria’s efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, which would improve the country’s financial credibility.
Security expert Dr. Charles Omole highlighted the growing threat of violent extremism and the need for enhanced global police cooperation.
He advocated for the use of advanced technology, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-sharing to combat terrorism and organized crime.
The welfare of police officers was also a major point of discussion.
CSP Lydia Ameh, the Force Insurance Officer, emphasized the importance of the Nigeria Police Welfare Insurance Scheme (NPWIS), which was designed to support officers in case of emergencies and retirement.
She highlighted ongoing efforts by the Inspector-General of Police to improve the insurance scheme and expand its benefits.
Discussions at the syndicate sessions focused on modernizing police training curricula, strengthening officers’ welfare programs, and improving interagency collaboration. Participants called for reforms that would ensure police personnel receive specialized training to combat insurgency, banditry, and other organized crimes. They also stressed the need for mental health programs within the force, including stress management and psychological counseling services.
During deliberations, officers expressed the need for an annual policing plan that would enhance transparency and accountability in police operations. They also emphasized the importance of introducing data-driven performance management systems such as COMPSTAT to improve efficiency in policing.
There were calls for increased investment in forensic technology and digital policing tools to aid investigations and crime prevention.
Participants advocated for stronger partnerships between Nigeria and other African nations to address cross-border crimes. There was a consensus that inclusive recruitment and training programs should be prioritized, alongside flexible policy reforms that would make the police force more adaptive to emerging security threats.
As the conference came to a close, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to implementing the resolutions adopted during the event.
He noted that inclusive policing, technology, and international cooperation would play a crucial role in shaping the future of law enforcement in Nigeria.
Certificates of attendance were presented to all participants, including guest speakers and international police officials.
The Inspector-General expressed confidence that the conference’s outcomes would serve as a blueprint for enhancing national security and public safety.