The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasised the urgent need for a collaborative and reformed approach to policing in Nigeria, stressing that the nation’s peace and stability depend on effective security architecture.
Speaking in Ilorin at the maiden Distinguished Alumni Public Lecture of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Al-Hikmah University, Egbetokun said achieving meaningful progress in security requires the collective efforts of all sectors of society.
“Policing is a shared responsibility. Government institutions, the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and every citizen must play active roles in building a safer Nigeria,” he stated.
The Police Chief, who is an alumnus of Al-Hikmah University, pointed out that public participation in crime reporting, intelligence gathering and community engagement is key to curbing insecurity across the country.
According to him, “One of the key challenges hindering effective policing in Nigeria is inadequate funding and poor resources. Many police units still operate with outdated equipment, limited training and meagre salaries, which hampers their ability to tackle modern crimes like cybercrime and terrorism.”
To address this, Egbetokun called for the removal of the police from the envelop budget system and advocated for increased funding that goes beyond ongoing projects, allowing for better equipping and training of officers.
He also recommended several strategic reforms including the decentralisation of the police force to allow states to operate state-level police departments, supported by clear oversight mechanisms.
He added, “We must implement inclusive community policing programmes that build trust and encourage collaboration between law enforcement and citizens.”
The IGP stressed the importance of continuous training in areas such as human rights and technology-based crimes, and called for legislative reforms to update the Police Act, embedding modern policing standards into law.
On police welfare, Egbetokun advocated for improved salaries, decent housing, healthcare and career development, saying such investment would boost morale, reduce corruption, and enhance service delivery.
“Ultimately, a reformed and empowered police force, backed by a supportive network of stakeholders, can contribute to building a more secure and just society for all Nigerians,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Noah Yusuf, said the theme of the lecture was timely, as it underscores the importance of collective intelligence gathering and synergy among stakeholders to ensure national peace.
Prof. Yusuf reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, moral instruction and community development, adding that Al-Hikmah University will continue to train future leaders equipped with sound knowledge and values.
The event brought together scholars, security experts, community leaders and students in a conversation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security through collaborative efforts.
