President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with modern tools and resources to enhance its effectiveness. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, in Kano State, on Saturday, Tinubu outlined plans for substantial investments in the police force and a significant recruitment drive aimed at engaging more youth in national security efforts.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu urged the 478 new graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. He emphasized the need for the new officers to adhere strictly to the ethics of modern policing and to avoid corruption.
“We are embarking on a massive recruitment drive into the Police Force aimed at empowering our youth to participate in national security efforts,” Tinubu said. “As you graduate today, you are not just receiving a certificate, but you are becoming ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Service. I charge you to discharge your duties with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.”
He expressed confidence that the officers had been well-prepared through rigorous academic and professional training and assured continued support for the academy, which he described as one of the premier training institutions for police officers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The president also highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of police personnel, which he believes will enhance their effectiveness in safeguarding lives and property. He continued by mentioning that the government is working to provide vehicles, gadgets, and other logistical support to bolster the police force's capabilities in combating crime.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, AIG Sadiq Abubakar, praised the graduates for their dedication and academic achievements. Out of the 478 graduates, seven earned first-class honors and 128 achieved upper second-class honors. AIG Abubakar also announced that the academy, which offers 17 accredited programs by the National Universities Commission, is set to introduce new degree programs in criminology, security, education, and a faculty of engineering. A postgraduate diploma program is also on the horizon.
In related news, the Nigeria Police Force has addressed recent speculation regarding the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi clarified that President Tinubu’s actions were in line with the law governing IGP appointments and not an extension of tenure.
Adejobi explained that the President’s approval was based on the constitutional provisions that stipulate a four-year tenure for the IGP, as per Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Constitution.
The clarification came in response to rumors and misinformation circulating about the IGP’s tenure, especially following the recent amendment to the Police Act that extends service duration for police officers.