The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated all police commands to execute a strategic plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Egbetokun emphasized that the directive aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for national security and economic prosperity.
Themed “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” the three-day conference, running from Feb. 24 to 26, has drawn over 1,000 senior police officers from across the country.
Egbetokun highlighted the critical role of intelligence-driven policing in addressing emerging security threats. He commended the synergy between the police, military, and other security agencies, noting that recent operations have led to significant breakthroughs in combating organized crime.
“The President’s security plan is focused on building a highly professional and proactive police force capable of tackling threats before they escalate,” Egbetokun stated.
Supporting the initiative, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, urged the Federal Government to introduce periodic evaluations and vetting of police officers, including comprehensive psychiatric assessments.
“A well-structured and regularly assessed police force is crucial for maintaining national security. Nigerians must also acknowledge the efforts of the police, who, despite being only 370,000 in number, are responsible for the security of over 230 million citizens,” Ebie said.
He pledged the NDDC’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in various capacities to enhance internal security.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, revealed that several commands have already begun implementing strategies to meet the 50% crime reduction target. This, he noted, has resulted in an increased rate of prosecutions and convictions in courts across the country.
With the new directive, the police hierarchy remains optimistic about achieving a safer Nigeria through a combination of intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and community-driven policing strategies.
