The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against any form of assault or violence towards its officers. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun emphasized this commitment during his official visit to the Enugu State Police Command on Friday.
Gists9ja reports that he made it clear that the Force will no longer tolerate any attack, let alone the killing of its personnel.
In his address, the IGP stated:
“An assault on a policeman is criminal and an assault on the IGP himself. We will not tolerate such acts anymore. Any act of assault or killing of our officers will be met with a collective and appropriate response. In 2025, we are saying a resounding ‘no’ to any form of violence against our men.”
Egbetokun also stressed that all police commands must respond decisively to any incident where officers are harmed.
The IGP assured officers that the Force, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is taking significant steps to improve the welfare of its personnel. While he refrained from disclosing specific details, he hinted at ongoing initiatives to enhance the well-being of officers, which will be revealed in due course.
“The Federal Government is deeply committed to the welfare of police officers. The sacrifices you make are recognized, and we are working tirelessly to address your needs. Ignore the mischief-makers spreading falsehoods about your welfare being neglected. No IGP would neglect the welfare of his men,” he added.
Egbetokun lauded the professionalism and diligence of the Enugu State Police Command. He shared that Governor Peter Mbah had praised the officers’ dedication and achievements during his earlier meeting.
“I am proud of your accomplishments and your exemplary conduct. However, while most of you are doing an excellent job, there are a few bad eggs tarnishing the Force’s image. We will address this internally,” the IGP said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Egbetokun outlined the Force’s priorities, which include:
Promoting professionalism and ethical conduct.
Training and retraining officers to enhance their skills.
Equipping officers with modern tools for effective policing.
He assured the officers that resources would be made available to sustain and build on their achievements.
“We will continue to pursue our vision of modern, ethical, and effective policing. Criminals chased out will not be allowed to return, and we will provide you with everything necessary to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” he asserted.
The IGP also criticized recent falsehoods circulating on social media, including claims suggesting that he approved the public’s assault on officers who check their phones.
“Such stories are the handiwork of mischief-makers. They are intended to sow distrust and undermine the police. I urge you to remain focused and committed to your duties,” he concluded.
The IGP’s visit marks a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of police officers while fostering professionalism and public trust. As 2025 begins, the Nigeria Police Force aims to solidify its role as a protector of lives and property through robust reforms and unwavering dedication to justice.