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President Bola Tinubu on Monday, emphasised the need for inter-agencies collaboration to tackle the challenge of banditry, kidnapping and armed robberies among other insecurity challenges confronting the nation.
Tinubu has equally sought more support for the Nigeria police to perform their jobs effectively saying that the business of adequate security provision is a shared responsibility by all
The President, represented by his Vice, Sen Kashim Shettima disclosed this in Abeokuta on Monday, while declaring open the three-day retreat for the senior police officers across the country.
The opening ceremony had in attendance the Inspector General of Police from Kenya, IGP Felix Namuhbranye, Inspector General of Police from Rwanda, Douglas Kirocho, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashim Argungu represented DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.) among other security chiefs and top government functionaries.
Tinubu said that his administration recognised the importance of strong internal security towards the continued prosperity of the country and has therefore been doing all that is necessary to reposition the Nigerian police so as to continue to perform its constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and properties across the nation.
He said that his government has been working to bridge the existing security infrastructural and equipment gap through a comprehensive and sustainable programme that includes renovating police barracks, improving mobility and upgrading combat and protective gear.
Tinubu said, “While the Nigerian police is constitutionally empowered, to maintain internal security, protect lives and property and uphold public order, it’s essential to recognise that security is a shared responsibility.
“Therefore, community and citizens must actively collaborate with the police, to foster a safer society because no matter how well funded and equipped or well trained a police force is it cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves.
“Public engagement and trust are central in the process of inclusive policing. Synergy among security agencies is also vital to eliminating banditry, terrorism kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminalalties.
“You must therefore in your deliberation focus more on strategies to achieve multi agencies collaboration in tackling all forms of criminal acts in the country.”
Tinubu said he would always priortise the welfare of the police adding that aside the implementaion of the new minimum wage, the government will also be ready grant financial incentives to the deserving officers.
In his welcome address, Egbetokun said that the annual gathering serves as a crucial platform for reviewing police operational strategies, exchanging insights and realigning the country’s policing objectives with the evolving global security landscape in the country.
Egbetokun said that this year’s theme “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing.” mirrors Tinubu’s security vision and underscores “the determination to cultivate a police force that is professionally competent, intelligence-driven, and equipped to confront emerging threats proactively”.
The IG said that police intensified operations and commitment to cooperation with the military and other security agencies in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other organized crimes have yielded significant results, in the past year alone.
He added that to sustain the ongoing onslaught against all forms of criminal acts in the country, all the commands and formations have been mandated to implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025 and that this mandate will form a crucial part of the discussion at the conference.
He said, “As we continue with the current policing year, our focus remains steadfast on enhancing intelligence-sharing, strengthening forensic and digital investigative capabilities, and upholding zero tolerance for corruption and human rights violations within the Force.
“Simultaneously, we will continue to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our officers to boost morale and enhance service delivery”.
The state governor, Dapo Abiodun, while speaking at the programme said that adequate security for all remained a top priority of his administration
Abiodun explained that aside from being the industrial capital of the country, about two million people also pass by the state every day to neighbouring states saying that this underscores why his administration has continued to support the police to strengthen the security architecture in the state.
The governor, however, urged the police to continue to uphold professionalism, respect human rights and uphold integrity to build public confidence.
Abiodun said that the business of security is that which concerns all and as such Nigerians must continue to support the security agencies, particularly the police to strengthen the fight against threats to peace, law and order in the country.
