The Nigeria Police Force celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday as 10,000 newly recruited police constables graduated from police training colleges across the country. After completing a rigorous six-month training program, the officers have been deployed to their respective states of origin to strengthen community policing efforts.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed during the Passing Out Parade at the Police Training School in Bauchi that this deployment is part of a larger plan to enhance law enforcement at the grassroots level. Represented by the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Police Command, Auwal Muhammad, the IGP emphasized the importance of professionalism, fairness, and friendliness in the duties of the new officers.
Equipping Officers for Complex Security Challenges
Egbetokun highlighted the rigorous training the constables underwent, designed to prepare them for Nigeria’s complex security challenges. “The exercise marks the culmination of a six-month rigorous training program that has pushed the recruits to their physical and intellectual limits,” he stated.
The training focused on instilling fundamental policing ethics and modern law enforcement principles. “Our comprehensive and research-based curriculum has equipped them with fundamental policing ethics, norms, and practices, as well as modern law enforcement principles,” the IGP explained.
He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the new officers, saying, “We have high expectations for this graduating class of constables, and we are confident that they will uphold the values imparted to them during their training, thereby contributing to the enhancement of law enforcement in our country.”
30,000 Annual Recruitment to Boost Police Force
The IGP also revealed plans for the annual recruitment of 30,000 constables, as approved by President Bola Tinubu, to further strengthen the police force. “The President’s approval for the annual recruitment of 30,000 police constables over the next few years is expected to strengthen our internal security, enhance police performance, and promote optimal police service delivery nationwide,” he said.
This initiative aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform the Nigeria Police Force into a well-reformed and capable institution.
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Focus on Community Policing
The deployment of the new officers to their states of origin underscores the government’s commitment to community policing as a strategy to combat crime at the grassroots level. The IGP stressed the importance of empathy and professionalism, urging the officers to view their roles as a partnership with the public.
“Your role demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, particularly the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions,” Egbetokun said. “Strive to be perceived as a friend and partner to the public, inspiring hope and confidence in the security apparatus.”
He cautioned against abuse of power, saying, “The uniform you wear and the office you hold is a symbol of trust and responsibility, never to be exploited for intimidation, harassment, or perversion of justice.”
Commitment to Integrity and Discipline
The IGP encouraged the constables to maintain integrity and discipline throughout their careers, noting that their actions would reflect on the entire Police Force. “Abhor all forms of lawlessness, human rights abuse, and unprofessional conduct. Instead, utilize your authority to protect citizens, enforce laws, and apprehend criminals,” he stated.
He urged them to demonstrate boldness, loyalty, and patriotism in their duties, even in the face of challenges. “Throughout your career, demonstrate boldness, responsibility, discipline, and loyalty to the Force, while remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity,” Egbetokun said.