Egbetokun: Serving Officers Losing Hope Over Pensions, We’ll Fix it With Better Welfare

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has expressed concern over the lingering challenges surrounding the pension system for police officers, warning that the situation continues to have a demoralizing effect on those still in active service.

The IGP made this known on Tuesday , July 29, 2025, while addressing senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the rank of Commissioner of Police upwards at a strategic conference held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja. 

The conference, which focused on the changing security landscape and the Force’s renewed operational posture, also served as a platform for the Police Chief to reflect on institutional welfare and the morale of officers.

“The morale of many of our gallant officers is silently suffering because of the uncertainty and challenges tied to our current pension structure,” the IGP said. “If officers know that after years of service and sacrifice, they will face hardship in retirement, how do we expect them to give their all today?”

Joining the IGP at the event, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Frank Mba, echoed similar sentiments and urged for urgent reforms to ensure the dignity of retired personnel. “Our welfare framework must reflect the value we place on the men and women who risk everything for our safety,” he said.

Despite the welfare concerns, the IGP praised the dedication and operational achievements of officers nationwide. He unveiled a two-month scorecard showing significant progress in fighting crime. Between June and July 2025, the Force arrested 5,488 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to homicide and cultism. Police also recovered 316 firearms, 2,884 rounds of ammunition, 216 stolen or unregistered vehicles, and successfully rescued 170 kidnapped victims, many from dangerous and remote locations.

He urged senior officers to maintain this momentum and take ownership of their leadership roles, stressing that rank comes with responsibility, not ceremonial privilege. “Leadership must be earned by the life-saving decisions we make daily,” Egbetokun said, charging Commands and Formations to publicize their operational successes to boost public trust and confidence.

The IGP also emphasized the need for proactive policing, urging officers to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics through intelligence-driven strategies and modern technology. He said the Force must remain dynamic, forward-thinking, and fully engaged with the public in order to maintain credibility and effectiveness.

Still speaking on morale, IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing improved welfare for both serving and retired officers. According to him, this is a central pillar of the ongoing institutional reform agenda.

The conference ended on a note of renewed commitment, with senior officers pledging to implement the IGP’s directives, deepen community engagement, and promote professionalism across board in pursuit of a safer Nigeria.