Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for Police Affairs, indicated that the police high command will carry out President Bola Tinubu’s decision to withdraw police officers from VIP protection tasks and design a community policing plan, among other things.
During a two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs on Monday, the minister announced the development.
While noting that the Nigeria Police Force and the supervising ministry were at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of decades of neglect that had hampered their ability to fulfil their constitutional mandate, she added that the ministry was committed to aligning its efforts to contribute to the realisation of President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed, highly effective NPF.
Suleiman-Ibrahim said, “The Police Inspectorate Department, in particular, should evolve its operations to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. Reports must be factual, practical, and evidence-based and serve as critical tools for enhancing police performance. It must champion the review of the curriculum of the training institutions to ensure they are reflective of the evolving landscape of law enforcement, incorporating contemporary practises and international standards.
“The Police Service Department has multifaceted responsibilities and must rise to the occasion by ensuring administrative optimisation, making sure that relevant policies and procedures for the police are in place and up to date, while also fostering the adoption of cutting-edge technology. It must be at the forefront of efforts to ensure we evolve an intelligence-led, technology-driven, inclusive, and community-based police force in Nigeria.
“The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department must position itself as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting cutting-edge research to inform policymaking. By fostering partnerships with renowned research institutions and staying current with global trends, this department will play a vital role in shaping evidence-based strategies for the Nigerian Police Force.
“As you are aware, our key mandates include developing and implementing a harmonised police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing President Tinubu’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy, amongst others. We must not see these mandates as mere tasks but as transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria.”
