President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged officers and men of the police to eschew corruption and high-handedness in order to gain the trust and confidence of Nigerians.
The President gave the charge today at the Conference and Retreat for Commissioners of Police and above at Owerri, Imo State.
The president urged the IGP and his officers to set the highest standard of conduct and lead by example.
The president was represented at the event by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam.
According to the president, “I want to emphasize the importance of professional ethics and integrity. As senior officers and leaders, you must set the highest standards of conduct and lead by example.
“Upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability is paramount to winning the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people. Let us work together to eliminate corruption and misconduct within our ranks and build a police force that is respected and admired.”
He added: “This retreat marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our nation’s police force. It provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our achievements, discuss the challenges we face, and chart a course for the future. As leaders within the Nigerian Police Force, your dedication, commitment, and unwavering service to our great nation deserve our utmost appreciation.
“Law enforcement is an essential pillar of any society, and our responsibility as police officers is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of our citizens. We face numerous challenges in carrying out this noble task, ranging from organized crime and terrorism to cyber threats and communal conflicts.
“However, I firmly believe that with the right strategies, resources, and determination, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer Nigeria for all.
“This retreat serves as a platform for us to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. Let us seize this opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made so far and identify areas where we can further improve.
“We must address issues such as capacity building, professional ethics, community engagement, and the use of technology to enhance our policing methods. In this era of rapid technological advancements, we must embrace innovation and leverage digital tools to enhance our effectiveness.
“Technology can assist us in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and the investigation of complex cases. Therefore, I urge you all to explore and adopt cutting-edge technologies that can support our mission of maintaining law and order.
“Furthermore, community engagement is crucial in bridging the gap between the police and the public. We must strive to build trust, foster positive relationships, and actively involve local communities in our efforts to fight crime. By working hand in hand with the people we serve, we can create a safer environment and promote a sense of ownership and responsibility for security.”
Addressing partiicipants, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said noted that the cardinal focus of his police administration is improving the capability of officers, standardising service delivery viz-a-viz driving transformative agenda, embracing the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism while upholding the rights of citizens and attending to the welfare of officers.
