Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has advocated for the decentralisation of the Police Force and the full implementation of the community policing initiative to ensure better law enforcement and security in the country.
Delivering the maiden Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, on Thursday, Egbetokun called for adequate funding and capacity building for officers deployed in community policing, as well as clearly defined roles for the decentralised Police Force.
Egbetokun emphasised the need for legislative reform, community engagement, inter-agency collaboration, the deployment of technology, accountability, and capacity building to ensure effective policing in Nigeria.
The Inspector General of Police, an alumnus of the university, also stated that with effective policing, peace, security, and the overall well-being of Nigerians can be guaranteed.
He stressed the need for synergy among all stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach to service delivery.
Egbetokun urged the active participation of the public, media, traditional and religious institutions in crime prevention and reporting, stating that such measures would create a more robust security framework.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Noah Yusuf, remarked that the lecture’s topic had been carefully selected and would significantly highlight the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in intelligence gathering and effective policing, ensuring a crime-free, peaceful, and prosperous society.
Professor Yusuf stressed the need for synergy among all security operatives and stakeholders to enhance community policing and the protection of lives and property.
He noted that Al-Hikmah University, as the first Islamic faith-based institution, remains committed to excellence, research, and community engagement.
Yusuf also reiterated that the university would not relent in its efforts to equip students with the skills, knowledge, morals, and character required to become future leaders.
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