President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a firm message to officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, warning them against abusing their powers and urging a renewed commitment to public service, accountability, and professionalism.
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Speaking through Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the 2nd Annual Inspector General of Police (IGP) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held Wednesday night in Abuja, Tinubu reminded officers that their authority must be exercised with integrity and in the interest of citizens.
“Be reminded that the power you wield is not for intimidation but for protection. It is not for abuse but for service,” Tinubu said.
The President emphasized that his administration remains committed to transforming the Nigeria Police Force through sustained investment in modern equipment, intelligence-led policing, and welfare programs aimed at boosting morale and operational efficiency.
“We understand that modern policing demands modern tools, continuous training, intelligence-led strategies, and community partnerships,” he added.
Tinubu commended recipients of the IGP’s awards, describing them as shining examples of dedication and honour in public service.
“To our award recipients, I congratulate you warmly. You have made the nation proud. But I urge you; do not rest on your laurels. Let this recognition inspire greater professionalism, hard work, and integrity within the Force.”
He underscored that the public deserves a police force that is “responsive, responsible, and respected,” noting that law enforcement plays a central role in fostering trust between citizens and the state.
In his address, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, outlined the evolving security threats facing Nigeria — including terrorism, cybercrime, kidnapping, and organized crime — and called for urgent reforms in policing strategies.
“The future of policing in Nigeria must be smarter, faster, more trusted, and unapologetically people-focused,” the IGP said.
Egbetokun stressed that legitimacy and public trust are critical to the effectiveness of the Force.
“Without legitimacy, there is no effectiveness. We are your sentinels—not perfect, but resolute; not without flaws, but without fear. Your safety is our mission. Your trust is our shield,” he told Nigerians.
The IGP highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
“No single agency can secure Nigeria in isolation,” he noted, thanking sister agencies for their collaboration.
He described the annual awards as a reflection of the Force’s new culture of excellence and merit.
“The officers we celebrate today earned this recognition through uncommon courage, ethical conduct, exceptional leadership, and unwavering dedication,” Egbetokun said.
He urged all officers to embrace excellence as a daily standard rather than a destination.
The event drew attendance from key security and government figures, including Minister of Police Affairs Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and several former Inspectors-General of Police.
The IGP’s Awards and Commendation Ceremony was instituted to recognize outstanding service and to inspire ethical and exemplary conduct within the Nigeria Police Force.
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