In a world where security threats are constantly evolving and societal complexities continue to rise, the demand for innovative and inclusive policing strategies has never been more urgent. National security challenges, social disruptions, and other multifaceted hindrances in Nigeria require solutions that are both proactive and transformative.
In the field of political science, peace and security studies, and humanitarian studies, scholars have alluded to the nexus between these key concepts and national development in all areas, particularly economic growth. In the words of the former Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-Moon, “Security and development are two sides of the same coin. Economic stability fosters peace, and national security creates the environment for economic prosperity.”
John F. Kennedy also posited, “Economic strength and national security are inextricably linked; one cannot thrive without the other.”
Recognising this need, the Nigeria Police Force, the lead security agency constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of the country, is championing an all-inclusive policing approach that prioritises community engagement, inter-agency collaboration, and advanced technology utilisation to promote sectoral equilibrium in effective policing. This aligns seamlessly with the leadership vision of the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, who is committed to building a professional, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force in Nigeria. IGP Egbetokun does not limit his vision for all-inclusive policing to Nigeria alone. He has also extended the same vision to the West African sub-region and the African continent in his capacity as the chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee. He aims to ensure that policing not only reinforces internal security but also contributes to national economic recovery, social cohesion, and political stability in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration in Nigeria.
Under IGP Egbetokun’s strategic leadership, the Nigeria Police Force has embarked on several bold policy initiatives aimed at strengthening internal security and accelerating national development. It is crystal clear that Nigeria Police efforts in managing herders/famers crises, communal disputes, settling labour disputes across all strata, and promoting social norms and values in Nigeria are far-reaching and paying off, in the security architecture and economic growth in Nigeria.
In addition, the individual and institutional capability-building strategies of the police force have occasioned a paradigm shift towards enhanced policing via training and retraining of officers in areas of professional conduct and science-driven policing.
One wonders how the IGP has continually snowballed his ideas in this regard to hosting conferences and retreats for strategic managers and leadership of the Force, and refresher courses for other senior officers and rank and files, respectively, to improve their effectiveness and efficiency in all areas of policing. These efforts built upon the mindset of the IGP to host the 4th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, which was held in Imo State in October 2023 with the theme “Fostering Economic Prosperity, Social Integration, and Political Development through Enhanced Internal Security Mechanisms”.
Continuing this trajectory, the IGP recently hosted the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for senior police officers, held from February 24-26, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the theme “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing”.
This landmark event, CARSPO 2025, brought together over 170 high-ranking security professionals, including senior police officers from the rank of commissioner of police and above, representatives from sister security agencies and distinguished international guests, such as CG Felix Namuhoranye of the Rwanda National Police and IGP Douglas Kanja Kirocho of the Kenyan Police.
Over three days, participants engaged in intensive deliberations on pressing issues in modern policing, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for law enforcement agencies. The conference culminated in a series of actionable resolutions designed to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force. Some of the key takeaways include strengthening international collaboration with our counterparts from other African countries to combat cross-border crimes, implementing a comprehensive mental health policy backed by research to support officers facing psychological challenges and revamping the counselling unit with qualified professionals to address mental health concerns within the force.
It also includes expanding inclusive recruitment and training programmes to ensure a more diverse and well-equipped police force; introducing flexible policy reforms that adapt to emerging security challenges; establishing anti-crime clubs in schools to foster early crime prevention and youth engagement; encouraging officers to embrace risk management strategies that promote safety and resilience in policing; and enhancing specialisation and professional development through continuous training tailored to modern security demands.
After the conference, IGP Egbetokun presented certificates of attendance to all participants, including guest speaker CG Felix Namuhoranye of the Rwanda National Police, in recognition of their contributions to the success of the event.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s firm commitment to leveraging inclusive policing, cutting-edge technology, and international partnerships to improve Nigeria’s internal security and economic well-being. The resolutions adopted at the conference will serve as a roadmap for strengthening law enforcement, fostering public trust, and creating a safer Nigeria. As the Nigeria Police Force continues to refine and implement forward-thinking policing strategies, Nigeria can look ahead to a future where security is not just a government responsibility but a collective effort that bridges the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through innovative policies, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to professionalism, the Nigeria Police Force is poised to reshape the country’s security landscape and drive sustainable national development.
The regime of IGP Egbetokun was the first to have foreign IGPs and security diplomats across the world attend and participate fully in the conference, retreat and engagements of the Nigeria Police Force.
His determination to bring global collaboration, integration, and togetherness to foster improved security in Nigeria and the African continent as a whole can never be overemphasised. The saying, “putting the right peg in the right hole” is ascertained by the appointment of IGP Egbetokun, a scholar, philosopher, perfectionist and holder of a PhD in Peace and Security Studies, a great blessing to policing structure and national values in Nigeria.
•Adejobi, a public relations and law enforcement expert, writes from Abuja via [email protected]
