President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his administration’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s security apparatus to effectively address emerging security challenges.
Speaking at the fifth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscored the crucial role of security in national socio-economic development. He stated that his government has prioritized equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to combat crime and respond to emergencies.
The President called for active public collaboration with the police, stressing that security is a collective responsibility. “While the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally empowered to maintain internal security, protect lives and property, and uphold public order, it is essential to recognize that security is a shared responsibility; communities and citizens must actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society,” he said.
“No matter how funded, no matter how well equipped, it cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves. Public engagement and trust are central to the process of inclusive policing.”
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the Nigeria Police Force’s institutional capacity, ensuring it remains effective in fulfilling its constitutional mandate. He revealed that the federal government is working to address infrastructure and recruitment gaps through a sustainable program, including the renovation of police barracks, improved mobility, and upgraded protective and combat equipment.
Additionally, the President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of security personnel. He noted that the new minimum wage is one of several initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the Nigerian workforce, including police officers. He pledged continued collaboration with police leadership to provide financial incentives that would motivate officers to perform at their best.
Highlighting the administration’s broader economic strategy, Tinubu stated that various reforms have been introduced to restore investor confidence, stabilize the macroeconomic environment, and curb inflation. “We are also taking measures to instill peace, stabilize the foreign exchange market, and eliminate financial leakages by removing fuel and electricity subsidies,” he said.
He further noted that the government is investing in road and rail infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to lower transportation costs, expand market access, boost productivity, and create employment opportunities.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized that security is fundamental to any thriving society. He advocated for inclusive policing that engages local communities, upholds human rights, and prioritizes transparency. “We must build a policing system where every Nigerian, regardless of background, believes that law enforcement agents are their friends and that they are there to protect them and not to oppress them,” Abiodun said.
The governor announced plans to equip the police with electric-powered motorcycles and advanced surveillance drones capable of facial and license plate recognition up to 8,000 meters. He stressed the need for technology-driven security solutions, including AI-driven crime prediction, digital forensics for cybercrime tracking, and data-driven crime mapping.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun echoed the importance of intelligence-led policing in tackling evolving security threats such as violent crime, cyber-related offenses, terrorism, and transnational organized crime. He reiterated the police force’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with both domestic and international security agencies and deepening community engagement to enhance public trust.
Egbetokun also disclosed that the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other specialized units have been reorganized to align with global best practices. He added that all police commands and formations have been directed to implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025.
