By Gabriel Ameh
Former Inspectors-General of Police have expressed support for ongoing reform efforts within the Nigeria Police Force, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise increased funding for the institution to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The position was made known on Tuesday in Abuja when the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, hosted members of the Association of Retired Inspectors-General of Police.
Egbetokun described the visit as a reflection of unity and continuity within the Force, noting that leadership in policing extends beyond tenure in office. He paid tribute to the former police chiefs, describing them as foundational figures who helped shape the direction of the institution.
According to the IGP, Nigeria’s security landscape remains complex, with threats ranging from violent crimes and kidnapping to cybercrime and communal unrest. He said these realities require intelligence-led, professional and citizen-centred policing built on public trust, ethical standards and accountability.
Highlighting reforms undertaken in the past two years, Egbetokun disclosed that the Force’s intelligence unit has been upgraded to a full department to enhance proactive crime prevention.
He also announced the elevation of the medical unit to a directorate, alongside the digitisation of medical records to improve healthcare services for personnel nationwide.
To strengthen operational capacity, the IGP said new Police Mobile Force squadrons numbered 79 to 84 have been established across the country to boost rapid response capabilities. Additional senior command stations have also been created to improve efficiency and expand police presence in strategic areas.
Egbetokun further revealed the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad, a tactical formation deployed in selected states for targeted operations against violent crimes.
On professionalism, he stated that weekly training on ethical conduct has been made compulsory at state command levels.
Promotions, he added, are now strictly merit-based under an event-driven framework tied to discipline, competence and service record, with over 1,000 officers promoted under the system.
The IGP, however, raised concerns over what he described as sustained misinformation and disinformation campaigns against the Force on some social media platforms, warning that such narratives could undermine public confidence.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to human rights, transparency and accountability.
Responding on behalf of the retired IGPs, Mohammed Abubakar commended the current leadership for sustaining reform initiatives and pledged the continued support of former police chiefs.
Abubakar said the engagement provided an opportunity for retired leaders to share experience and institutional knowledge with the current leadership.
He also appealed directly to President Tinubu to ensure adequate funding for the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that improved financial support is essential for the Force to effectively fulfil its mandate of safeguarding lives and property across the country.
