The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun has warned officers and men of the Force to be wary of their actions across the country.
Egbetokun also warned that the Force under his watch would not tolerate indiscipline, corruption and acts of misconduct.
He identified discipline as the cornerstone of a successful policing career.
Egbetokun gave this warning at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of 2022 batch of 587 intake recruit constables of Police Training School, Ilorin.
Egbetokun, who spoke through the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, said the force is focused on adopting innovative strategies to combat crime, ensure the safety of citizens, and strengthen public trust.
He said; “As you graduate, you are joining a reformed Police Force that is
undergoing a transformation driven by professionalism, ethics, technological advancement. Under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force is focused on adopting innovative strategies to combat crime, ensure the safety of citizens, and strengthen public trust.
“Let me emphasise that the uniform you wear is not merely a symbol of
authority; it is a representation of service, sacrifice, and responsibility.
You must uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and professionalism as you discharge your duties. Your conduct, both on and off duty, will define how the public perceives the force.”
Welfare
“I must also highlight that the Nigerian government’s commitment to
improving the welfare and operational capabilities of the Force is
unwavering. Through the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Police Trust
Fund, and other strategic partnerships, resources are being provided to enhance operational efficiency and personnel welfare. This is testament to the belief that a well-motivated and well-equipped police
force is essential for national security.
“Your postings will reflect the diversity of our nation as you return to your respective communities to foster the objectives of community policing. This strategy ensures that your local knowledge will be leveraged to address peculiar security challenges in your areas, ultimately strengthening ties between the police and the communities we serve.
“I must, however, sound a note of caution: the cornerstone of a successful policing career is discipline. Your journey from here will depend on your character, commitment, and adherence to the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force. Under my watch, there will be no tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, or any form of misconduct”, the Inspector General of Police said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashim Argungu (rtd), said the commission would closely monitor the activities of the recruit constables.
He said that it would not hesitate to sanction anyone who deviates from the time tested established Police rules of engagement.
Argungu, who was represented by Mrs Ladi Akubo, described constable as “a dignified office that deserves the required dignity and respect.”
He said; “the commission expects the officers to conduct themselves in a manner deserving of a police officer.”
Argungu said, “There is need to remind you that our nation has and is still facing some security challenges that include banditry. kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism amongst others.
“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has, however, graciously given a listening ear to requests for manpower improvement and provision of needed logistical support. It is obvious that the Police still need more of this support.”
“I charge you to go out and reciprocate the government’s good gesture and strive to work in partnership with other security agencies to eliminate or reduce the security challenges currently bedevilling our beloved nation.”
“Let me inform you that the Commission will closely monitor your activities from today and will not hesitate to sanction any one who deviates from the time tested established Police rules of engagement. We will also commend and recognise gallantry and commitment to duty,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commandant, Police Training School, Ilorin, Adamu Danjuma, said the new recruit constables have been groomed and trained in all areas that would aid them in combating crimes.
The trainees were part of 10,000 police recruits that the Nigerian government ordered their enlistment, to address the manpower gaps in the force.
The police boss said annual recruitment into the Force is geared toward addressing the longstanding manpower deficit within the Force. He described it as ‘a critical factor in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing in the country.’
Danjuma, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, urged the officers to be good ambassadors of the force wherever they are deployed to as their places of primary assignment.
The passing out parade had in attendance representative of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, SSA Muyideen Aliyu, service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional Rulers and other dignitaries.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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