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Nigeria Police at 65: Reforms, Successes and Challenges Under IGP Egbetokun

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As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has made significant strides in tackling crime, professionalising its ranks, and expanding its reach across the country.

The Force credits its progress to reforms under Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who took office in 2023. Officials say the changes are reshaping policing for the future and restoring public trust.

A shift in policing philosophy

The NPF says it has moved from a reactive approach to a “people-centred service” focused on prevention and intelligence.

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of history, but a testimony that Nigeria’s security architecture, anchored by the NPF, is ready for the future,” police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin wrote in a statement.

Security experts, however, note that public trust remains fragile, with Nigerians still raising concerns over corruption, delayed response times, and accountability in policing.

Operational results

The Force reported that in just two months, 4,383 suspects were arrested nationwide for crimes including robbery, kidnapping, and homicide. More than 1,100 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 716 firearms and over 21,000 rounds of ammunition were seized.

In Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states, families reunited with rescued victims praised police efforts. In Rivers and Lagos, residents say crackdowns on cult gangs have brought relative calm.

Yet civil rights groups stress that isolated successes do not erase wider challenges. “We must see consistent reforms that address human rights abuses, not just tactical gains,” said security analyst Olufemi Akinyemi.

Specialised units for modern threats

IGP Egbetokun has established new squads to deal with emerging risks. The Special Intervention Squad (SIS) is deployed in urban centres, while the Safe School Protection Squad (SPS) focuses on safeguarding schools in states such as Lagos, Benue, and Bauchi.

UNICEF has welcomed the move, saying it supports Nigeria’s national policy on violence-free schools.

Technology at the forefront

Technology has become central to the Force’s strategy.

The “Rescue Me” emergency app and the Quick Emergency Reporting and Response System are designed to improve citizen-police engagement. The electronic Central Motor Registry has helped recover over 1,500 stolen vehicles this year.

At the National Cybercrime Centre, officials say they recovered ₦8.8bn, $84,000, and over 115,000 USDT in one year. INTERPOL recently named the centre Africa’s best cybercrime unit.

Expanding manpower and tactical capacity

The federal government’s plan to recruit 30,000 constables annually for five years is the largest manpower drive in the Force’s history.

Police authorities say the expansion will strengthen visibility and help Nigeria meet the international benchmark of one officer per 400 citizens.

Welfare and inclusivity

Reforms have also focused on welfare. Police barracks in Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos are being rebuilt, while digital medical record systems have been launched in police hospitals in Abuja, Lagos, and Ikeja.

Insurance payouts worth over ₦26bn have been disbursed to families of fallen officers.

The Force also points to inclusivity gains: two female Assistant Inspectors-General have served as Force Secretary in the past two years, and more women have been appointed to senior positions.

Global footprint

The NPF has expanded its international role. A female officer is currently serving at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, while Nigeria’s police contingent in Somalia was commended by the African Union earlier this year.

The bigger picture

Analysts say the Force’s achievements mark progress but stress the need for deep-rooted reforms to rebuild public trust.

“Professionalism and inclusivity are welcome, but Nigerians want everyday policing that is accountable and accessible,” said Dr. Musa Ibrahim, a criminologist at the University of Lagos.

As Nigeria turns 65, the question remains whether the Force can sustain reforms while addressing citizens’ concerns over rights, transparency, and justice.

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Gateway Polytechnic Students Set to Tackle Campus Safety, Leadership at SWAT 1.0 Conference

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Students at Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, are set to discuss campus security, welfare, academic development and leadership at a student-led conference aimed at preparing young people for life beyond the classroom.

The SWAT 1.0 Students’ Conference, organised by the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), is scheduled for Friday, 9 October 2026, at the Leadership Auditorium.

The conference is themed “Preparing Students for a Purposeful Future While Navigating Campus with Excellence.”

The Ogun State Police Command has endorsed the initiative, particularly its focus on security awareness and constructive engagement between students and law enforcement.

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Why the conference matters

Unlike programmes focused solely on academic performance, the SWAT conference brings together five areas of student development — Security, Welfare, Academics, Training and Seminar.

Organisers say the objective is to give students practical guidance, leadership skills and positive values that can help them navigate campus life while preparing for their future careers and responsibilities.

For tertiary institutions, the relationship between students and security agencies can be an important part of maintaining a peaceful learning environment.

The conference therefore provides an opportunity for students to engage with security authorities beyond enforcement, including discussions around responsible conduct, peaceful coexistence and security consciousness.

Police back student-led security dialogue

The Ogun State Police Command said it supports programmes that promote constructive Police-Student relations and safer academic environments.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 October, the Command commended the SUG President and host/convener, Comr. Akinpelu B. Timothy, and his executive team for organising the conference.

The Command said its participation reflects its commitment to supporting student-centred initiatives that encourage peaceful coexistence and responsible behaviour.

Beyond security: what students stand to gain

The organisers’ SWAT framework extends beyond policing.

The inclusion of welfare and academics alongside training and seminars means the conference is designed to address some of the wider issues students encounter during their time in higher education.

Leadership development is also central to the initiative, with student organisers seeking to encourage participants to take greater responsibility for their conduct, relationships and future plans.

This could make the event particularly relevant to students preparing to transition from campus into workplaces and wider society.

A different conversation about campus safety

The police endorsement also places student-police engagement at the centre of a conversation that is often dominated by incidents after they occur.

By creating a platform for dialogue before problems arise, initiatives such as the SWAT conference can help students better understand security responsibilities while giving authorities an opportunity to engage directly with young people in an academic setting.

However, the long-term value of such programmes will depend on whether conversations translate into sustained engagement and practical improvements in campus safety.

What happens next

The SWAT 1.0 Students’ Conference will hold from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 9 October 2026, at the Leadership Auditorium of Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade.

The Ogun State Police Command said it would continue to support initiatives that contribute to safe, peaceful and conducive learning environments across tertiary institutions in the state.

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Lagos Police Probe Wider Cyberbullying Claims Against Clerics After Arrest

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The Lagos State Police Command is investigating a series of allegations of online attacks against religious clerics following the arrest of a Lagos-based man accused of repeatedly making disparaging remarks about clerics and their beliefs.

The suspect, identified as Saheed Teyinbo, popularly known as “Alfasuna”, was arrested by police operatives after complaints were lodged against him by at least two religious figures, according to a police source.

The development has prompted the command to look beyond the initial complaints as investigators await possible reports from other people who may have been affected by similar alleged online activities.

Police trace suspect following complaints

Teyinbo, who is said to reside in Alakuko, Lagos, was reportedly tracked down by operatives following petitions submitted to the command.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, to investigate the allegations.

One of the petitions was reportedly submitted by Prophet Israel Oladele, popularly known as “Prophet Genesis”, a pastor of the Celestial Church.

Oladele allegedly accused Teyinbo of making disparaging comments about him and his religious beliefs.

A second complaint was reportedly filed by Alhaji Sheikh Dr Hammed Olanrewaju Alfulanny, an Islamic scholar based on Yaya Abatan Road, Ogba, Lagos.

He similarly alleged that the suspect made offensive remarks about him and his religious beliefs.

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Alleged Kwara connection

The investigation may extend beyond Lagos, as police sources said Teyinbo was also allegedly wanted in Kwara State.

According to the source, a warrant of arrest had reportedly been issued against him in connection with alleged cyberbullying complaints involving other religious clerics.

The police have not publicly disclosed the identities of those additional complainants or provided details of the allegations attributed to them.

Police seek more alleged victims

The Lagos Command is now reportedly profiling the suspect while awaiting further complaints that could help investigators establish the scale and circumstances of the alleged cyber offences.

A police source said the suspect had been interrogated and allegedly confessed to the offences.

However, any alleged confession remains part of the police investigation and would need to be tested through due legal process.

The command is also expected to gather evidence from the complainants and other relevant parties before determining the next legal step.

“All relevant parties will be given the opportunity to present their evidence before the matter is brought before a court.”

The police source said the investigation would be conducted professionally and that the command would seek to establish the facts before the case is taken to court.

What happens next?

The immediate focus of the investigation is expected to be the complaints already filed against the suspect and any additional evidence that may emerge.

If investigators establish sufficient grounds, the suspect could be taken before a court, where the allegations would be formally tested.

Until then, the allegations against Teyinbo remain unproven.

The case also highlights the challenge faced by law-enforcement authorities in dealing with alleged online harassment and cyberbullying, particularly where social media activity involves public figures, religious leaders and disputes over beliefs.

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NSCDC Anambra Seeks Stronger Public Trust, Citizen Feedback

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has called for stronger cooperation between its officers and residents as it marks the 2026 Customer Service Week.

The Command said the week-long observance, which runs from October 5 to 9, provides an opportunity to listen to citizens, respond to their concerns and strengthen public confidence in the security agency.

State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, said public feedback would remain important to the Command’s efforts to improve its services and deepen its relationship with communities across Anambra.

“We value and recognize that public trust is vital to the discharge of our responsibilities, and this encourages us to prioritize public feedback in our ongoing efforts to enhance our services.”

Why the week matters

The 2026 Customer Service Week is being observed under the theme, “Going the Extra Mile,” which the NSCDC said highlights the importance of making additional efforts to meet public expectations.

Rather than limiting the observance to internal activities, the Anambra Command said its officers would engage directly with members of the public throughout the week.

The engagements are expected to provide opportunities for residents to raise concerns, seek assistance and interact with personnel of the Corps.

For a security organisation whose work depends partly on cooperation with communities, the Command said building trust and maintaining open communication remain essential to its responsibilities.

Also Read: Nigeria’s SMEs Need More Than Loans as Businesses Battle Rising Costs 

NSCDC links security to community cooperation

Commandant Maku said the relationship between the Corps and the public should be viewed as a shared responsibility.

“The NSCDC is the society and the society is the NSCDC.”

He said a peaceful and secure environment was necessary for communities to pursue social, economic and political activities.

According to him, the Command has strengthened partnerships with stakeholders and introduced community-oriented approaches in response to changing security needs across the state.

Command asks residents to report concerns

The State Commandant also appealed to residents to continue working with security agencies to maintain peace and order.

He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest NSCDC formation.

The Command said continued cooperation from residents would help support its efforts to maintain peace and stability across Anambra.

Maku also expressed appreciation to residents for what he described as their continued cooperation, trust and support.

“We sincerely appreciate the people of Anambra State for their continued cooperation, trust and support, which are crucial in fostering peace and stability within our communities.”

What’s next

The Customer Service Week activities will continue until Friday, October 9, with the Command expected to maintain its focus on public engagement and service delivery.

The observance places citizen interaction alongside the Command’s broader security responsibilities, with the NSCDC saying it remains committed to accountability, professionalism and respect for citizens’ human rights.

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