The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has charged newly graduated constables of the Nigeria Police Force to embrace professionalism, fairness, and friendliness in the discharge of their duties.
Egbetokun gave the charge at the passing-out parade of the 2022/2023 batch, held at the Police Training School, Sokoto.
Represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 10, Ghogoh Grimah, he stated that the event marked the culmination of a six-month rigorous training programme conducted at four premier colleges and 12 police training schools across the country.
“The Passing-Out Parade signifies a pivotal transition for these individuals, as they formally assume their roles as professional police officers, leaving their civilian status behind and embarking on a career of service and duty,” Egbetokun said.
He explained that the recruits had been equipped with the necessary orientation and skills to confront Nigeria’s complex security challenges while upholding legal and ethical standards.
“Our comprehensive and research-based curriculum has equipped them with fundamental policing ethics, norms, and practices, as well as modern law enforcement principles.
“We have high expectations for this graduating class of constables and are confident that they will uphold the values imparted to them during their training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country,” he stated.
Egbetokun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the annual recruitment of 30,000 police constables, saying the initiative would help tackle unemployment, strengthen internal security, and improve police performance nationwide.
He disclosed that most of the newly graduated constables had been deployed to their states of origin under the community policing strategy to reinforce grassroots law enforcement.
“I am confident that these new officers will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, thereby upholding the honour and prestige of the Police Force,” the Egbetokun noted.
The IGP emphasised that policing requires the highest level of professionalism and integrity, urging recruits to strictly adhere to the rule of law and maintain empathy towards the public.
“Your role demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, particularly the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions. Strive to be perceived as a friend and partner to the public, inspiring hope and confidence in the security apparatus.
“The uniform you wear and the office you hold is a symbol of trust and responsibility, never to be exploited for intimidation, harassment, or perversion of justice. Abhor all forms of lawlessness, human rights abuse, and unprofessional conduct. Instead, utilise your authority to protect citizens, enforce laws, and apprehend criminals.
“Throughout your career, demonstrate boldness, responsibility, discipline, and loyalty to the force, while remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity. As you progress, uphold the values of patriotism and dedication to service,” Egbetokun stated.
For his part, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu urged the new officers to shun corruption, indiscipline, and misconduct while remaining impartial and humane in their dealings with the public.
Aliyu, represented by his Deputy, Idris Mohammed Gobir, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the police and other security agencies with the necessary tools to protect lives and property across the state.
He congratulated the graduating officers and encouraged them to serve the nation with courage, honour, and integrity.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Police Training School, ACP Muhammad Kudu Haruna, said 483 constables drawn from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States underwent intensive training before passing out.
He urged them to remain disciplined and uphold human rights while performing their duties.
ACP Kudu also revealed that some trainees required close supervision to comply with regulations, noting that “a few were involved in misconduct, including one who absconded for 29 days and another involved in shameful practices.”
He further expressed concern over the low participation of women in the police force within the three states.
“Out of the 483 graduating officers, only eight were women. We urge the community and other relevant leaders to improve sensitisation among parents to encourage more women participation in the upcoming recruitment exercise,” he said.
A total of 482 police constables from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States passed out at the event, which dignitaries, families, and friends attended.