IGP advocates community policing

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has advocated for the decentralisation of the Nigeria Police Force and the immediate implementation of community policing across the country.

Egbetokun made the call during the Maiden Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.

He emphasised the importance of adequate funding and capacity building for officers to be deployed in community policing, alongside clearly defined roles within a decentralised police structure.

The IGP also highlighted the need for legislative reforms, enhanced community engagement, inter-agency collaboration, technology deployment, and accountability as key components for effective policing in Nigeria.

“With effective policing, the peace, security, and overall well-being of Nigerians can be guaranteed,” Egbetokun stated.

He stressed the need for synergy among stakeholders, advocating for a holistic approach to national security. According to him, active participation from the public, media, and traditional and religious institutions in crime prevention and reporting would help build a more robust security framework.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Noah Yusuf, described the lecture as timely and urged all stakeholders to commit to result-oriented policing for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.