In a decisive move to combat rising insecurity, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all police commands across Nigeria to implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce crime by 50 percent in 2025. The directive, issued at the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, underscores the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to take a more aggressive and intelligence-driven approach to tackling crime. Over 1,000 senior police officers from across the country gathered for the high-level event themed “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing.” The Inspector-General made it clear that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s national security vision, reinforcing a commitment to proactive policing, strategic crime prevention, and stronger collaboration between the police, military, and other security agencies.
Speaking at the event, the police chief stressed that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires more than reactive measures. He highlighted the need for professionalism, improved intelligence gathering, and a more community-focused approach to policing. He also noted that intensified operations and synergy between security agencies were already yielding significant results in the fight against organized crime. While the directive has been received with cautious optimism, many Nigerians remain skeptical, questioning whether the police force has the capacity and credibility to achieve such a drastic crime reduction. Public trust in the Nigeria Police Force has been significantly eroded due to widespread allegations of corruption, brutality, and inefficiency. Many citizens argue that unless these deep-rooted issues are addressed, crime rates may remain unchanged despite the ambitious target set by the IGP.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chiedu Ebie, who also spoke at the event, called for periodic evaluations and vetting of police officers to ensure they meet the necessary ethical and professional standards. He emphasized that regular and comprehensive health checks, including psychiatric assessments, should be made mandatory for officers to ensure they are fit for duty. His remarks reflect growing concerns over the mental and psychological fitness of some officers, as cases of unprovoked brutality and misconduct continue to be reported across the country.
A major challenge facing the Nigeria Police Force is the severe shortage of personnel. With only 370,000 police officers responsible for the security of over 230 million people, the country is grappling with an overwhelming security deficit. Many security analysts argue that without a significant increase in recruitment and better equipping of officers, crime reduction efforts will remain largely ineffective. The shortage of police officers has led to increased reliance on local vigilante groups and private security outfits, further highlighting the urgent need for security sector reforms.
Despite these challenges, a senior police officer speaking anonymously revealed that several commands had already begun implementing the directive to reduce crime. He noted that there has been an increase in prosecutions across the country, a sign that stricter law enforcement and better case tracking are beginning to take effect. However, security experts warn that arrests alone will not solve the problem. They argue that unless the root causes of crime—such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of education—are addressed, criminal activities will persist regardless of police crackdowns. A more holistic approach is needed, one that combines effective policing with social and economic reforms to provide young Nigerians with alternatives to a life of crime.
Public reactions to the IGP’s directive have been mixed. While some Nigerians commend the effort as a step in the right direction, others are calling for deeper institutional reforms within the police force. Many believe that the culture of impunity within the force must be dismantled for any meaningful progress to be made. Corruption, extortion, and human rights abuses remain rampant, and without accountability, the police will struggle to gain the public’s trust. Calls for greater oversight and independent monitoring of police activities are growing louder, with civil society organizations demanding stricter disciplinary measures for officers who engage in misconduct.
The coming months will determine whether the ambitious target of reducing crime by 50 percent can be achieved. While the directive signals a renewed commitment to tackling insecurity, Nigerians are watching closely to see if it will translate into real change on the ground. Many citizens are demanding not just words but action—better training for officers, an end to corruption, and a policing system that serves and protects the people rather than oppresses them. The success of the initiative will depend on the ability of the police force to rebuild trust, strengthen accountability, and implement real, lasting reforms.
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