Maryam Aminu
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Kayode Egbetokun has intensified efforts to combat crime, making significant strides against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and cybercrime. His leadership, characterized by strategic policing and proactive crime prevention, has reinforced public confidence in law enforcement.
Since assuming office, Egbetokun has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the NPF’s operational efficiency. His tenure has seen major successes in tackling violent crimes, with the arrest of 30,313 suspects in 2024 alone for offenses including kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, and illegal firearms possession.
The Force has also recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, and 1,438 stolen vehicles, while successfully rescuing 1,581 kidnapped victims.
One of the notable achievements of the NPF under Egbetokun was the daring rescue of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals in Ogun State on June 30, 2024. The operation, despite an ambush by kidnappers, resulted in the safe rescue of the victims and the neutralization of two kidnappers in a follow-up raid. This, among other successes, underscores the IGP’s resolve to dismantle criminal syndicates across the country.
Despite these achievements, Egbetokun acknowledges the complexities of policing in Nigeria, describing it as “an endeavor fraught with challenges, from insurgent activities and armed banditry to organized criminal syndicates and communal clashes.
” The dangers faced by officers were tragically highlighted on February 26, 2024, when six police personnel were abducted and killed during a special operation in the “Evil Forest” of Ughelli North, Delta State. Such incidents underscore the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers daily to ensure public safety.
Beyond tackling violent crime, Egbetokun has led an aggressive crackdown on cybercrime, which has surged with advancements in technology. In a high-profile operation in November 2024, police detectives dismantled a major fraud ring, recovering N3.9 billion and arresting 130 suspects including 113 foreign nationals linked to an international cybercrime syndicate.
This operation highlighted the NPF’s ability to adapt to evolving criminal tactics.
Recognizing that effective crime-fighting requires a motivated police force, Egbetokun has prioritized the welfare of officers. A key initiative in this regard is the establishment of the Nigeria Police Insurance Company, which has facilitated over N12 billion in insurance payouts to 4,223 beneficiaries under the NPF Group Life Insurance Scheme.
Additionally, widows of fallen officers continue to receive compensation, ensuring financial stability for their families.
Egbetokun’s leadership is also marked by merit-based appointments within the Force, placing officers in key positions based on competence rather than ethnic or regional considerations. His tactical deployments have strengthened crime-fighting strategies nationwide, particularly with the appointment of experienced commanders to elite squads.
As IGP Egbetokun continues to push for excellence in law enforcement, his policies of strategic positioning, proactive crime prevention, and officer welfare improvements have laid a strong foundation for long-term security gains. With sustained commitment and minimal political interference, his administration has the potential to significantly alter Nigeria’s security landscape and improve the nation’s global security rating.
His leadership is not just about fighting crime but also about redefining the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring law and order across the country.
Africa Security Investigation News 