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Tag: Olukayode Egbetokun

  • Police expand GBV desks nationwide

    Police expand GBV desks nationwide

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, has approved the expansion of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desk offices to all Police Divisional Headquarters nationwide.

    Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the decision in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    According to him, the approval aligns with the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to protecting human rights across the country.

    Adejobi explained that the move aims to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure better access to justice for citizens.

    “Previously limited to zonal and state commands, the GBV desks will now be at divisional levels, ensuring prompt, specialised attention to GBV cases.

    “To support this, the I-G has ordered the appointment of qualified officers to serve as GBV desk officers.

    “These officers will undergo specialised training to gain the skills and knowledge needed to handle GBV cases effectively.

    “Divisional GBV desk officers will oversee the Juvenile, Women, and Children (JWC) section within their divisions,” Adejobi stated.

    According to Adejobi, this integration seeks a holistic approach to GBV cases, providing a supportive environment for victims and ensuring swift justice delivery.

    He noted that the strengthening of the GBV desk offices highlights the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of victims and survivors.

    “The initiative is a proactive response to the growing need for focused resources and specialised interventions to protect vulnerable populations,” he explained.

    Adejobi encouraged the public to report cases of violence and utilise the desk offices to seek justice and protection.

    He affirmed that the Nigerian Police Force will remain committed to upholding justice and protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

  • IGP reveals major security challenges Nigeria faced in 2024

    IGP reveals major security challenges Nigeria faced in 2024

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, said the Nigeria Police Force made remarkable achievements in 2024 in spite of challenges.

    Egbetokun said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of his end of year conference with strategic police managers, consisting of officers from the rank of commissioners of police and above.

    “Reflecting on 2024, it is clear that both the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large faced a range of security challenges, but we also achieved notable successes.

    “We dealt with a variety of internal threats, such as banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as external threats posed by groups like ISWAP and the Lakurawa terrorists in the North West.

    “The country also confronted other critical issues, including cultism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism financing, money laundering, and cybercrimes, especially among our youth.

    “Protests and civil unrest added to the challenges,” he said.

    The I-G said in spite of the difficulties, the Nigeria Police Force had shown remarkable resilience, collaborating with sister agencies to ensure law and order.

    According to him, throughout 2024, we made substantial strides in enhancing the safety and security of Nigerians.

    He said the force displayed remarkable dedication in combating criminal activities across urban and rural areas.

    “Through revitalised crime prevention efforts, we have made significant progress in reducing crime, ensuring public safety and improving service delivery.

    “These accomplishments reflect our firm commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

    “Our efforts have been comprehensive, leveraging modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing,” he said

    Egbetokun said that the strategies had not only increased the operational efficiency of the force, but fostered stronger collaborations with local communities as well as building trust between the police and the public.

    “While we acknowledge the complexity of the challenges, the Nigeria Police had remained steadfast in its resolve to continue to address the challenges head-on to secure the future of the country.

    “Despite our best efforts to foster trust and confidence with the public and our strong emphasis on discipline and professionalism, a small number of our officers have unfortunately continued to engage in behavior that damages our reputation.

    “This has been a significant challenge for us in 2024 and to make matters worse, we have also faced false publications aimed at tarnishing our organisation’s image.

    “This not only undermines our credibility but also erodes the trust we have worked hard to build with the community,” he said.

    He said the force would be committed to addressing the challenges head-on, exploring innovative solutions to promote transparency, accountability and excellence.

    Egbetokun said the force had achieved major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for a range of serious offenses, including kidnapping, cultism, murder, rape, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

    According to him, we also recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, 1,438 stolen vehicles and rescued 1,581 kidnapped victims.

    “In the fight against kidnapping, we intensified our efforts and achieved substantial success. A prime example is the rescue of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals on June 30 in Ogun.

    “Despite being ambushed by gunfire, the victims were safely rescued, and two kidnappers were neutralised in a subsequent raid.

    “We also recovered five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication equipment. This operation demonstrates our capacity to combat kidnapping and criminal enterprises effectively,” he said.

  • Police apprehend 10,852 suspects in 3 months

    Police apprehend 10,852 suspects in 3 months

    The Police on Tuesday in Abuja said that 10,852 persons were apprehended and detained nationwide over various crimes in the last three months.

    Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (I-G), at a meeting with officers from the rank of Commissioner and above, listed the crimes to include kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery.

    “The arrests and detention were carried out between July and September. Within the period, a total of 416 arms, 3,672 ammunition, 178 vehicles were recovered, while 369 kidnapped victims were rescued,” he explained.

    He said that there had been a substantial decrease in crime rates in key areas, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and cybercrime.

    Egbetokun also spoke on the preparations for the Nov. 16 governoship election in Ondo State, and declared that the security outfit was ready for the exercise.

    “As we prepare for the upcoming Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election, I urge all involved to replicate, and build upon, the successes recorded in Edo.

    “We must ensure a robust security architecture; officers on duty must perform their duties diligently and with utmost professionalism.

    “Our mission is to provide a secured environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation,” he said.

    The I-G pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders toward safety of lives and property before, during, and after the election.

    Egbetokun said that patrols would be increased along with other measures to ensure the security of lives and property throughout the ’ember months.

    “As we continue with the ’ember months, a time traditionally associated with heightened security challenges, it is imperative that vigilance, enhanced flexibility and proactive policing become more critical.

    “Criminal elements frequently exploit this season, necessitating our strategic foresight to stay ahead.

    “Our approach should include increased patrols and intelligence-driven and community-oriented operations to ensure public safety throughout the holiday period,” he said.

  • Planned protest targeted at unleashing mayhem – IGP

    Planned protest targeted at unleashing mayhem – IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun says intelligence available to the Nigeria Police  revealed that the Aug. 1 planned protest is targeted at unleashing mayhem in the country.

    This is contained in statement personally signed by Egbetokun on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the mayhem was targeted on the polity, innocent citizens, markets, stores, private and public properties, as well as critical infrastructure of government.

    According to him, the name given to the movement behind the protest, “TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT” has far-reaching undemocratic, unconstitutional and illegal connotations.

    He said the Nigeria Police Force had in the last few days engaged with the leadership of the movement as well as their accredited solicitors.

    The I-G said the police had enjoined the protest organisers to submit to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state of the protest, where they intend to carry out the protests.

    He said the organisers had been told to provide the venue/ route of their assembly, congregation or procession; the commencement and closing time during the day and the modus operandi of the protests.

    Egbetokun said the organisers were also expected to provide other information necessary to guide the police, and other members of the public, who are equally entitled to their constitutional rights of movement.

    He said the required information were necessary measures to protect the organisers and those who would want to participate by the Nigeria Police.

    According to him, while liaising with the commissioners of Police in the respect states, an undertaking has to be given or entered by the protest organisers.

    “The organisers shall be in a position to control, guide and manage any congregation or assembly that comes up for the protest.

    “The idea is to ensure that the protests are not hijacked by unscrupulous elements who may want to hide under the guise of the protest to unleash terror or perpetrate mayhem on the innocent public.

    “We are also concerned particularly, that there shall be no loss of lives or destruction of property, private or public.

    “Regrettably, the organisers of the proposed protest have not deemed it necessary to supply the simple and basic information required by the police,” he said.

    Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police still demand from the organisers of the proposed protest that, they furnish it with the said essential information/ details before the commencement of the protest.

    He said no responsible law enforcement agency in any part of the civilised or democratic world would fold its arms and watch a degeneration of the situation.

    “Therefore, all police formations across the country are hereby put on alert and directed to protect innocent lives and properties from attack, harassment, molestation or destruction.

    “Furthermore, pursuant to the essential duties of the Nigeria Police under the Constitution, the Police Act and other enabling Laws, all officers and men of the Nigeria Police are hereby directed to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation or harassment of any citizen.

    “Officers are also expected to deal with any act of threat to lives and properties, breach of public peace and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country.

    “Perpetrators of any crime will be arrested and promptly prosecuted,” he said.

  • IGP lists conditions for planned protest

    IGP lists conditions for planned protest

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has issued guidelines for the Aug. 1 planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians.

    Egbetokun issued the guidelines  while adressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that protesters must provide details of their proposed route, assembling point; duration of the protest; names and contacts of protest leaders and organisers.

    The I-G said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state the protest was intended, must also be provided with measures taken to prevent the hijack of the protest by criminal elements.

    “By providing these information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

    “It will also help the police to designate its personnel specific routes and areas for the protest, to avoid conflict with other event or activities.

    “With the information, the Police can establish clear communication channels with the protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

    “It will also help to minimise the risk of violence, property damage or other criminal activities,” he said.

    According to him, the Police acknowledge the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly or protests, but it is incumbent on the protesting groups to provide the details in the interest of public safety and order.

    Egbetokun called on the groups  in the planned protest to cooperate with the Police, by obeying the law and adhering to global best practices for peaceful assembly.

    He said the Police had been monitoring the threats surrounding the planned protest, and that some groups were calling for violent protests to emulate Kenyan’s recent protest.

    The I-G said that others were calling for peaceful protest, with violence undertone resulting to concern about their sincerity.

    “We have our own history of violent protests in Nigeria and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to know the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.

    “We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest and note those who had spoken out against any form of protest at this critical time.

    “The fear that enemies of the country may manipulate the process were genuine concerns shared.

    “We have credible intelligence on foreign machineries’ involvement in the planned protest,” he said.

    Egbetokun urged Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.

    He said  that it had become clear that even peaceful protest at this time might be ill-timed.

    The I-G warned the groups plotting to destabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protest for their criminal agendas.

    He said that the Police would not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public infrastructure and private property, as well as looting of private businesses.

  • How we will respond to planned nationwide protest – IGP

    How we will respond to planned nationwide protest – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has said the Nigeria Police would respond to the August 1 planned protest by some Nigerians “in a most professional manner”.

    Egbetokun said this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.

    He said the meeting with the Strategic Police Managers was to share intelligence from the various Police Commands in the country and analyse same for the security of the country.

    “So we are prepared and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest in the most professional manner,” he said.

    The I-G said the police would remain committed to provide security for those that would engage in peaceful protest.

    “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful.

    “But we have a duty to protect lives and property, so we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest.

    “So, we are not against peaceful protest, we will support peaceful protest by protecting those who will engage in peaceful protest,” he said.

    He said the task of maintaining law and order during the protest would not be a challenge if the protesters engaged in peaceful protest.

    According to him, it becomes a challenge if the protest is violent.

    “I have always said that the right to protest is right to peaceful protest.

    “No civilised society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right.”

    The I-G, therefore, called on Nigerian youths to ignore anyone inciting them to violent protests.

  • Lagos Assembly faults I-G’s position on State Police

    Lagos Assembly faults I-G’s position on State Police

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has faulted the position of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr  Olukayode Egbetokun, that Nigeria is not ripe for state police.

    The House, which faulted Egbetokun’s position through a resolution  at plenary on Monday,described the I-G’s position as unacceptable.

    The I-G had, at a  recently  held  dialogue on state policing, opposed the establishment of state police.

    The I-G  had argued  that state police  would increase ethnic tension and cause divided loyalty in states of the federation.

    Egbetokun  said instead of creating state police,   the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSDC) be merged with the police force to enhance policing .

    However, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, while speaking during  the plenary ,said  the creation  of state would  help tackle insecurity in the country.

    The Speaker faulted Egbetokun on merger of FRSC and NSCDC with police ,wondering how  the two agencies could solve the problem of insecurity when,according to him , they  have not been able  curb accidents on roads and reduce  cases of  pipeline vandalism .

    “In Lagos State, we have the Security Trust Fund through which successive administrations starting from that of President Bola Tinubu have provided enormous support to the police command in Lagos State. Yet, crime of different dimensions has continued.

    “This shows that no matter what Egbetokun has proffered as solution, such will not solve our problem. The position of the IGP is unacceptable.

    “We strongly believe that if we have state police, we will be able to solve the issues of crime in our nation or reduce it to the minimum.

    “As we have seen in other climes, the United Kingdom has different levels of policing just like the United States of America. So why should ours be different?

    “The lives of our people are very important and we must do everything possible to make sure we protect lives. We want to state categorically that we believe in state police,” he said.

    Obasa urged the National Assembly to continue with its effort to pave the way for the  establishment of  state police through the process of constitutional amendment.

    Contributing , Mr Solomon Bonus (APC-Badagry I) argued that with its current structure, it would be difficult for the present Nigeria Police Force to effectively secure the country.

    Also declaring his support for state police, another lawmaker, Mr Sa’ad Olumoh (APC-Ajeromi/Ifelodun I), said every Nigerian state currently has a local security outfit in the semblance of state police.

    “Today, which state does not have state police one way or the other? This is a cause that should be supported. For the I-G to come out and say state police is not in the interest of Nigeria shows he is not considering the reality of insecurity on Nigerians,” he said.

    Obasa ,after  the House had deliberated  on the matter, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, to write the I-G  and the National Assembly, stating the state lawmakers’ rejection of  Egbetokun’s position.

  • IGP Egbetokun, appoints Deputy FPRO, State PPROs

    IGP Egbetokun, appoints Deputy FPRO, State PPROs

    Olukayode Egbetokun,the Inspector General of Police,  has approved  with immediate effect the posting of Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) to various Commands and Formations, as well as the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    According to the Force Headquarters said these appointments were meant to strengthen community engagement and strategic communication.

    This was announced by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday.

    “The newly posted officers and their respective portfolios include CSP Isuku Victor Edailokun as Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja; DSP Ukandu Joshua to PPRO Ebonyi; ASP Buhari Abdullahi to PPRO Gombe; ASP John Timfon to PPRO Akwa-Ibom; and ASP Hundeyin Isaac Sewanu to PPRO Ports Authority Police (Western) Lagos.

    “The Inspector General of Police hereby reiterates his commitment to standardising and repositioning the Force in line with his vision statement while wishing the newly posted officers success in their new roles,” the statement reads.

    According to Adejobi, “the newly posted officers have been tasked to be professional in their dealings and foster unalloyed relationships with members of the public.”

  • Police Mobile Force personnel to be withdrawn from VIPs – IGP

    Police Mobile Force personnel to be withdrawn from VIPs – IGP

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun said personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF)  would be withdrawn from VIPs escort and guard duties.

    Egbetokun said this on Monday in Abuja at a conference  with the Police Tactical Commanders.

    He said the force would re-evaluate the responsibilities of the PMF to ensure their effective utilisation.

    “Specifically, we shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.

    “While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.

    “By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large,” he said.

    The I-G said a special committee headed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations had been set up to assess and advise on how the strategy could be implemented seamlessly.

    According to him, the committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks after which further details will be made available.

    Egbetokun said the focus of the police would be to enforce the law and be partners in creating safe communities and nurturing an environment where everyone would feel protected and valued.

    “To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.

    “To ensure the smooth implementation of this policy, we will, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, invoke the Supernumerary provision of Sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Police Act 2020

    “The Act allows the police to train supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individual Nigerians who require their services,” he added.

    He said details of the strategic plan would be made available in the weeks and months ahead, adding that the force would ensure that the policy was implemented strictly in accordance with best practices.

    According to him, this will free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation.

    Egbetokun said the proposed operational strategies was aimed at fostering trust, cooperation and confidence within the Police Force.

  • JUST IN: IGP Egbetokun unveils policing strategy

    JUST IN: IGP Egbetokun unveils policing strategy

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun has unveiled new policing strategies for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The Acting IGP publicized the new strategies aimed at achieving operational successes and re-igniting public trust on Friday during the inaugural conference with Strategic Police Managers.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Strategic Police Managers comprised members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and other Heads of Police Formations in the country.

    The event held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    The highlights of the IGP’s policing vision include upholding the sanctity of the legal framework of the Nigeria Police Force and tackling the menace of crimes and criminality with the establishment of a specialized Quick Intervention Squad comprising combat ready Police Mobile Force personnel with effective and enhanced training in crisis de-escalation and violent crime reduction strategies.

    Others include leveraging cutting-edge tools, data analytics, and intelligence networks for a robust and effective human and technical intelligence gathering process to enhance Police capacity; and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.

    Similarly, the new policing vision focuses on enhancing the Police training curriculum with special focus on attitudinal and behavioural changes; improved welfare and resuscitating the Police Officer Support Unit (POSU) of the Police Medical Services to serve as confidential support and counseling facility for all police officers; implementing a new Recognition and Reward system to better motivate and encourage our dedicated personnel; and community policing, through a more vibrant engagement of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and the establishment of a Citizens Engagement Focus Group.

    Meanwhile, the IGP appointed CP Olatunji Disu as his Principal Staff Officer.

    CP Disu holds a B.A English (Education), PGD International Relations and Strategic Studies, MSc. Public Administration, Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation & Criminal Intelligence and MSc. Criminology, Security & Legal Psychology.

    He has attended several courses both within and outside Nigeria, and is a Member of several professional bodies including the International Academy of Forensics (IAF), National Association of Investigative Specialist, United States of America (NAIS), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) amongst others.

    He is Third Dan Blackbelter, and celebrated medalist in Judo who has served in various administrative, investigative, and operational capacities in the Force including as Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos, and DCP Intelligende Response Team (IRT), FIB, Abuja.

    Also, other aides have been appointed by the IGP including CSP Ganiyu Adebowale as Personal Assistant (PA-IGP), SP Adewale Ajibuwa as Chief Protocol Officer (CPO-IGP), DSP Sheriff Lawal as Aide-de-Camp (ADC-IGP) and DSP Olawole Ogunwusi J. as Chief Security Officer (CSO-IGP).

    The Inspector-General of Police reassures citizens that the Nigeria Police Force under his command will symbolize excellence, integrity, and compassion.

    He urged the citizens to collaborate with the Police to shape a future where justice triumphs, the vulnerable find solace, citizens go about their lawful businesses without fear of insecurity or molestation, and where every citizen can truly believe in the power of law enforcement.