Fight against crime: Police Force achieves 35,604 convictions from 128, 988 cases in 10 months

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigeria Police Force has recorded outstanding achievements in its fight against crime, with 35,604 convictions secured from 128,988 criminal cases charged to court nationwide since the beginning of 2024.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, disclosed these during a workshop for heads of police investigating/intelligence units, as he outlined key reforms, which include, enhanced child-friendly policing practices, improved protocols for persons in custody, mandatory specialized training and certification for detectives, establishment of new detective colleges, and creation of a dedicated unit at Force Headquarters.

According to the Force Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the reforms aimed to boost public trust, ensure adherence to international standards, and promote a culture of excellence within the Force.

“The remarkable feat demonstrates the Force’s unwavering commitment to justice and its unrelenting efforts to keep Nigerian communities safe.

“The Nigeria Police Force’s impressive performance is a testament to the dedication and bravery of its officers, who continue to work tirelessly to protect citizens and enforce the law. Under the leadership of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, the Force has undergone significant reforms and modernization efforts, including the establishment of new detective colleges and enhanced training programs . These initiatives have undoubtedly contributed to the Force’s improved effectiveness in combating crime and securing convictions.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and upholding justice for all Nigerians. I commend you for these outstanding achievements and assure you of the Force leadership’s commitment to modernizing the Force through cutting-edge investigative equipment and capacity-building training. We will continue to motivate you to excel by recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance. At our next award and commendation ceremony, more categories will be dedicated to the Investigation and Intelligence Departments.

“As we celebrate your successes, we must address recent performance gaps. As public servants, you are expected to demonstrate expertise and professionalism at all times. Mistakes can embarrass the Force and undermine public trust. Regrettably, apart from human errors which are sometimes not avoidable, it has been observed that some unprofessional officers have compromised the Investigation Department’s integrity. These individuals mishandle cases due to incompetence or consideration for personal gains, tarnishing the Force’s image and eroding public confidence. To address this, we are taking urgent steps to weed out unprofessional officers and strengthen our Investigation and Intelligence Departments,” he said.

IGP Egbetokun stressed that to enhance accountability and maintain professionalism, effective immediately, the deployment of officers into and out of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other investigative units will strictly follow the principle of mobilization and demobilization.

” This structured approach ensures that only officers who have been vetted and adequately trained are mobilized into investigative roles. Demobilization will also follow a structured process, where officers are withdrawn after their assignments to ensure a rotation that prevents the development of corrupt practices or entrenchment in certain roles. This approach is designed to maintain a high level of operational integrity and impartiality in criminal investigations across the Force.

“Criminal investigations require specialized skills that go beyond routine policing. Officers deployed to the CID or other investigation units must undergo comprehensive training programs to ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex criminal cases. It is now mandatory for all officers to complete the Specialized Professional Training Program at recognized institutions such as the Police Detective College, Enugu, or other designated detective colleges in Nigeria. For senior officers, the Revised Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos is compulsory. This training will cover advanced investigative techniques, forensics, legal frameworks, and the ethical obligations of detectives. Only those who meet these high standards will be certified as detectives, ensuring that the CID is staffed by capable, ethical, and professionally trained officers.

“Upon successful completion of the requisite training, officers will be awarded the title of Detective, signifying their expertise in criminal investigation. This certification will be reflected in their ranks (e.g., Detective Constable, Detective Corporal, Detective Sergeant) up to the rank of CSP, formalizing their status as highly trained professionals. This designation not only elevates the role of detectives within the Force but also fosters a culture of pride and accountability. It will be a badge of honour that distinguishes officers who have committed to mastering the complexities of criminal investigation.

“The ever-evolving nature of crime demands that our detectives remain at the cutting edge of investigative practices. To this end, annual workshops will be instituted to ensure detectives continually update their skills and knowledge. These workshops will cover new developments in forensic science, digital crime investigations, emerging criminal patterns, and legal updates. The workshops will be mandatory, serving as a professional development platform to keep our detectives informed and effective in tackling modern criminal challenges.

“In recognition of the growing need for specialized training, the force will propose the establishment of new Detective Colleges across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These colleges will serve as centres of excellence, providing robust training programs not only for police officers but also for private detectives. The expansion of detective training facilities will increase access to high-quality education in criminal investigation, contributing to the overall professionalization of investigative services in the country. It will also foster collaboration between public law enforcement and private security providers, enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system,” he further stressed.

The police boss added that a new unit will be established at Force Headquarters tasked with overseeing the implementation of these reforms.

“This department will develop the modalities for mobilization, demobilization, and the continuous professional development of detectives, ensuring full compliance with the Police Act 2020 (as amended). The department will serve as the central authority for all detective training programs, deployment strategies, and policy enforcement, guaranteeing that the highest standards of professionalism are maintained across all investigative units.

“Officers in the Intelligence Department will also be required to undergo specialized training. Those deployed to intelligence roles must complete the basic intelligence training program at the Intelligence School in Share, Kwara State. Like their counterparts in the CID, their deployment will be governed by a structured system of mobilization and demobilization, ensuring that only well-trained personnel occupy sensitive intelligence roles. This process will guarantee that the Force’s intelligence operations are staffed by officers with the expertise required to gather, analyse, and act on intelligence professionally and effectively.

” These steps mark a decisive moment in the professionalization of criminal investigations within the Nigeria Police Force. By adhering to high standards of child protection, custody care, and continuous training, we are building a stronger, more competent Force that will lead to the realization of a just and secure society.

“By refining our investigative practices, we commit to safeguarding the foundations of justice, ensuring that our procedures are thorough, unbiased, and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards. This commitment is crucial for maintaining public trust and enhancing the image of our police force within the community and the nation at large.

“Professionalism within our ranks is not merely an expectation but a cornerstone of our operational effectiveness and public trust. It underpins the credibility of the criminal justice system, ensuring that investigations are carried out with utmost integrity, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law. This commitment to professional conduct is essential in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that justice is administered without prejudice.

” A high standard of professionalism enhances the image of the Police Force, fostering trust and cooperation from the community we serve. This trust is critical, especially in sensitive cases, as it ensures public confidence in the outcomes of our investigations and the methods by which they are conducted. By consistently applying professional standards, we also protect the rights of the accused and the victims, thereby upholding the principles of justice and fairness foundational to our legal system”, he stressed.

The police boss further explained that professionalism within the Police Force contributes to broader societal impacts, including social harmony and political stability.

” It creates an environment where citizens feel secure and are therefore more likely to engage positively with each other and with governance structures. This engagement is crucial for the socio-political development of our country, as it encourages a more informed and active citizenry.

“In essence, the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force is a vital component in the machinery of national development. It not only defines the quality of service delivered to the public but also shapes the perception and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in fostering a just, secure, and progressive society.

“The Nigeria Police Force’s adherence to global standards, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. This alignment underscores our dedication to implementing child-friendly policing practices that are supportive, non-traumatic, and rights-respecting. Our approach is designed to ensure that our interactions with children and young people uphold their dignity and rights while fostering a nurturing and protective environment.

” By embracing international standards, we aim to enhance the trust and confidence between the community and law enforcement. This is crucial in situations involving young individuals, where how law enforcement officers engage can have lasting impacts on their perceptions of safety and justice. Child-friendly policing not only protects children but also educates and empowers them, emphasizing their rights and the responsibilities of society to uphold them.

” Furthermore, adopting such practices positions our officers not merely as enforcers of the law but as advocates and protectors of every citizen’s welfare, particularly the young. This approach encourages a more compassionate and understanding interaction between police and the community, which is essential for building a cooperative relationship that benefits all members of society. Overall, our commitment to upholding international child rights standards is integral to building a more inclusive and protective community policing framework. This framework not only supports the development of healthy relationships between law enforcement and community members but also ensures that the rights of the most vulnerable are consistently respected and protected.

” Our unwavering commitment to upholding stringent protocols for the care of persons in custody is a cornerstone of our operational ethics, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations such as children. These meticulously designed protocols are tailored to guarantee that every individual detained under our supervision is treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and humanity. This approach is essential not only for meeting legal and ethical standards but also for safeguarding the rights and well-being of those in our custody.

” By ensuring that these protocols are rigorously followed, we reinforce our dedication to human rights principles and ethical law enforcement practices. This commitment is crucial for fostering a robust relationship of trust and confidence between the police force and the community we serve. Moreover, the implementation of these protocols helps prevent any instances of abuse or neglect that could undermine the integrity of our force and erode public trust. Adherence to these standards involves regular training and education of our officers to handle custody issues sensitively and professionally. It also requires continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that our practices remain in alignment with national and international human rights standards. By doing so, we not only protect those in our care but also position the Nigeria Police Force as a model of responsible and ethical policing,” he emphasized.

The IGP further said that adherence to high standards in custodial care is more than a procedural necessity; it is a moral imperative that reinforces our role as protectors of the community.
” It establishes a foundation of ethical practices that enhance our interactions with the public, ensuring that our actions reflect the values of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity. Child-friendly policing is essential to modern law enforcement practices. Every interaction with a child, whether as a victim, witness, or even an offender, must be carried out with sensitivity and professionalism. To implement this, we are introducing a comprehensive Child-Friendly Policing Framework that mandates specialized training for officers who engage with minors. This framework will include trauma-informed investigative techniques, emphasizing the importance of non-intimidating environments, respectful communication, and psychological support. By adopting these child-sensitive approaches, we are ensuring that minors are not subjected to further trauma during police investigations while fostering an environment that encourages them to cooperate with law enforcement.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, on your exceptional investigative expertise and experience, which have been instrumental in resolving high-profile cases and dismantling deadly criminal gangs. Your tireless efforts, dedication, and professionalism have led to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of numerous dangerous criminal suspects nationwide,” he stated.