IGP Egbetokun: Nigeria Must Combat Corruption, Strengthen Institutions to Attain Sustainable Peace

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, said Nigeria must combat the pervasive culture of corruption, strengthen governance institutions, promote inclusion, and enhance regional cooperation to achieve sustainable peace and stability.

He spoke at the first distinguished personality lecture of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan.

According to him, a significant factor contributing to the exacerbation of the crises facing Nigeria is the pervasive culture of corruption and impunity within Nigeria’s governance structures.

The police boss stated that political interference in police operations can compromise the impartiality and effectiveness of law enforcement during crises, adding that it is essential to ensure the independence of the police force from political influence to maintain public trust and confidence.

IGP Egbetokun disclosed that based on the approval of President Bola Tinubu, the force will soon start recruitment of 30,000 Police officers after ending the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 personnel into the force.

He said, “In contemporary times, the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance its effectiveness in managing internal security challenges. These efforts include the creation of specialised units, improvements in training and equipment, and community engagement programs aimed at addressing various forms of crime and insecurity.”

The police boss stated further that he is investing in security technology, particularly drone technologies, which can improve the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He said this is materialising in the fight against cybercriminals, stating that the Nigeria police Cyber Crime Center “has continued to clamp down on cybercriminals with the recovery of over 36 billion naira and dismantled a major online fraud syndicate, arresting 15 suspects and recovering millions of naira in stolen funds”.

He called for increased funding of the police as the lead agency in internal operation to address equipment needs, improve infrastructure and enhance training programs

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Acting Director of the TETFUND Center of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies, Dr. Benjamin Aluko and a lead scholar, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, in their remarks, stressed the importance of improving internal security and managing crises in country.