The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has spoken out strongly against the rising cases of extortion, harassment, and abuse of power by some officers of the Nigeria Police Force. These concerns were raised during a conference in Abuja, where IGP Egbetokun met with senior police officials, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and heads of various police formations.
During his speech, the IGP did not hold back in criticizing the actions of certain officers who have been accused of extorting money from innocent citizens and treating them harshly. These officers, who are supposed to uphold the law and protect the public, have instead been using their positions for personal gain. This misconduct has caused significant harm to the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force and eroded public trust.
IGP Egbetokun emphasized the critical role senior officers play in ensuring that the police force operates with integrity. He urged them to exercise strict supervision over their subordinates and take responsibility for the actions of officers under their command. According to the IGP, close monitoring and accountability are necessary to root out bad behavior within the force.
He also stressed the importance of senior officers ensuring that the police maintain the highest standards of professionalism, particularly when dealing with members of the public. By doing so, he hopes to curb the troubling incidents of extortion and abuse, which continue to tarnish the image of law enforcement in Nigeria.
As part of his efforts to restore discipline and order, IGP Egbetokun ordered several internal units to intensify their efforts in checking and monitoring the behavior of officers in the field. These units include:
A special squad tasked with investigating cases of corruption, extortion, and misconduct within the pole.
This unit is responsible for keeping track of officers’ actions and ensuring that they adhere to proper standards of conduct.
This unit handles complaints from the public and investigates cases of abuse or misconduct by officers.
The IGP made it clear that these units must carry out routine checks and investigations to ensure that officers behave in line with the law and uphold the principles of fairness and justice. Any officer found guilty of extortion or misconduct will face strict disciplinary actions.
One of the most alarming practices addressed by IGP Egbetokun is the way some officers use his name to demand bribes from unsuspecting citizens. These officers falsely claim to be acting on orders from the IGP to intimidate people and extort money. In response, the IGP issued a stern warning to such officers, stating that any officer caught engaging in this behavior will face severe consequences.
By sending a clear message to the entire force, the IGP aims to discourage any form of corruption or abuse of power. He assured the public that his leadership will not tolerate these practices and will work diligently to ensure the police serve the people with integrity.
IGP Egbetokun’s address also highlighted the need for the Nigeria Police Force to rebuild trust with the public. Over the years, many Nigerians have lost faith in the police due to repeated cases of misconduct, extortion, and lack of accountability. These negative experiences have left many citizens feeling unprotected and wary of law enforcement.
To regain the public’s trust, the IGP stressed that the police must act responsibly and transparently in all their dealings. Officers must be reminded that they are servants of the people, not oppressors. He believes that by reforming the police force and enforcing strict disciplinary measures, the Nigeria Police Force can regain its credibility and fulfill its duty of protecting and serving the public.
