The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all police commands across Nigeria to implement a comprehensive strategy to cut crime rates by 50% in 2025.
Egbetokun issued the directive on Monday at the 5th Edition of the Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, where over 1,000 senior officers gathered for the three-day event running from February 24 to 26.
Aligning with President Tinubu’s Security Vision
Speaking on the theme “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” the IGP emphasized that the police force is committed to tackling insecurity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision.
“The theme highlights the President’s plan to build a professionally competent, intelligence-driven police force capable of addressing emerging threats proactively,” he stated.
Stronger Collaboration and Proactive Policing
Egbetokun noted that increased operations and inter-agency collaboration with the military and other security forces are already yielding results in combating organized crime.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, also called for periodic evaluations and psychiatric assessments for police officers to ensure their effectiveness and mental well-being.
“A regular and comprehensive health check, including psychiatric assessments, must not be overlooked,” Ebie stressed.
Challenges and Commitment to Security
Despite their efforts, Ebie pointed out that Nigeria’s police force remains underappreciated, with just 370,000 officers securing a population of over 230 million.
“Nigerians do not always appreciate the police force enough. However, we at the NDDC will continue to support the police in all capacities,” he assured.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously to NAN, revealed that many state commands have already begun implementing measures to meet the 50% crime reduction target, leading to an increase in prosecutions nationwide.
With this renewed focus on crime prevention, intelligence-driven policing, and inter-agency collaboration, the Nigerian Police Force is setting an ambitious goal for a safer and more secure nation in 2025.
