By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
STRENGHTENING NIGERIA’s security framework has become a key focus of the federal government amid rising security challenges nationwide.
The administration has taken steps to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force, providing them with necessary resources to tackle emerging threats effectively.
Speaking at the 5th Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) at the H3 Event Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reiterated his commitment to bolstering national security.
He underscored the critical role of policing in ensuring socio-economic stability, highlighting that security is a shared responsibility between law enforcement agencies and the public.
He stressed that no matter how well-funded or well-equipped the police force may be, public trust and cooperation remain essential for effective policing.
He urged citizens to work closely with security agencies to foster a safer society.
The administration, he noted, is prioritising police welfare through a series of reforms, including improving mobility, upgrading protective gear, and renovating police barracks.
He reaffirmed that the recently introduced minimum wage is one of several measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of security personnel.
Tinubu assured that financial incentives would be provided to motivate officers and improve overall service delivery.
Beyond security, the President highlighted ongoing economic reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence, stabilising the economy, and reducing inflation.
Measures such as eliminating fuel and electricity subsidies, stabilising the foreign exchange market, and plugging financial leakages are part of broader efforts to reposition the nation’s economy.
He also pointed to investments in road and rail infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships as a means of lowering transportation costs, improving market accessibility, and boosting productivity.
Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration is committed to leveraging Nigeria’s human and natural resources for economic growth and security enhancement.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, speaking at the event, described security as the foundation of a thriving society.
He emphasised the importance of inclusive policing, stating that law enforcement must actively engage local communities, uphold human rights, and maintain transparency to build trust.
He acknowledged that a major challenge in security management is the lack of public confidence in the police.
He urged law enforcement officers to uphold professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability, stressing that a police force that earns public trust will receive intelligence reports from citizens and greater cooperation in crime prevention.
Governor Abiodun also announced new security initiatives in Ogun State, including the provision of electric-powered motorcycles and high-tech drones with facial recognition capabilities and number plate identification at a range of up to 8,000 meters.
He noted that security forces must evolve with technological advancements, integrating AI-driven solutions, surveillance drones, and digital forensic tools to combat cybercrime and financial fraud.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, in his remarks, acknowledged the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape, marked by violent crimes, cyber threats, terrorism, and transnational organised crime.
He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and deeper collaborations with both domestic and international security agencies.
Egbetokun stated that the ongoing reorganisation of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other specialised units is aimed at aligning operations with global best practices.
He disclosed that all commands and formations have been mandated to implement a comprehensive action plan targeted at reducing crime rates by 50% by 2025.
