President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that his administration has bolstered the nation’s security framework to effectively address emerging security challenges across the country.
The President made this declaration while inaugurating the fifth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stressed the crucial role of security in national socio-economic development. He stated that his government had enhanced the operational capacity of security agencies by providing adequate equipment to manage emergencies and combat crime efficiently.
The President also urged Nigerians to collaborate with the police to ensure a safer society, noting that policing could not succeed without public cooperation.
“While the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally empowered to maintain internal security, protect lives and property, and uphold public order, it is essential to recognize that security is a shared responsibility; communities and citizens must actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society.
“No matter how funded, no matter how well equipped, it cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves. Public engagement and trust are central to the process of inclusive policing,” Tinubu said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, Tinubu stated that efforts were ongoing to ensure the force remained effective and well-positioned to fulfil its constitutional mandate as the lead agency in internal security.
He revealed that the federal government was implementing a comprehensive and sustainable programme to bridge security, infrastructure, and recruitment gaps. According to him, this initiative includes the renovation of police barracks, improved mobility, and the upgrading of essential combat and protective gear.
The President also emphasised that the new minimum wage was part of broader measures to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers, including police personnel. He assured that his government would continue collaborating with police leadership to provide financial incentives that would motivate officers and security personnel to perform optimally.
Beyond security, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, which are aimed at restoring investor confidence, stabilising the macroeconomic environment, and curbing inflation.
“We are also taking measures to instill peace, stabilize the foreign exchange market, and eliminate financial leakages by removing fuel and electricity subsidies,” he stated.
He further noted that his government was investing in road and rail infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships to reduce transportation costs, expand market access, boost productivity, and create job opportunities.
Tinubu commended the theme of the conference, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” noting that it aligns with his administration’s core objectives. He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering economic growth by harnessing the country’s human and natural resources.
Ogun Governor Calls for Public Trust in Policing
Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described security as the foundation of a prosperous society, emphasising that a truly secure environment is one where people feel safe and protected.
He highlighted the importance of inclusive policing, which, he said, entails understanding the unique needs of communities, engaging with the public, upholding human rights, and prioritising transparency.
Governor Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, stating that the state government had consistently supported the police and other security agencies through strategic partnerships and investments in modern security infrastructure and technology.
He pointed out that one of the major challenges facing security agencies was the erosion of public trust.
“We must build a policing system where every Nigerian, regardless of background, believes that law enforcement agents are their friends and that they are there to protect them and not to oppress them.
“Law enforcement officers must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability.
“The police force that earns public trust will find citizens willing to provide them with intelligence, report crimes, and actively participate in security efforts,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also announced plans to equip the police with electric-powered motorcycles and advanced drones capable of facial recognition and license plate identification from a distance of up to 8,000 meters.
“As crime becomes more sophisticated, security forces must evolve; they must integrate technology-driven solutions such as surveillance drones for monitoring high-risk vast areas, particularly for timely emergency response.
“We’ve also provided data-driven crime mapping capabilities to predict and prevent criminal activities.
“We should also ensure that we begin to look at artificial intelligence so that this can allow us to ensure that we are proactive.
“Digital forensic tools to track cybercrime and financial fraud are things that must be embraced; all these will allow our law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of criminals and enhance national security,” he stated.
IGP Advocates Intelligence-Led Policing
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also spoke at the event, stressing that Nigeria must embrace intelligence-led policing to tackle modern security threats, including violent crimes, cyber-related offences, terrorism, and transnational organised crime.
He disclosed that the police force was committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with both domestic and international security agencies while enhancing community engagement to build public trust and encourage citizen participation in policing.
Egbetokun further revealed that the reorganisation of the Force Criminal Investigation Department and other specialised units had been prioritised to ensure that detectives operated in line with globally accepted best practices.
He added that all police commands and formations had been directed to implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50 per cent in 2025.
