Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, has vowed that any assault on or killing of police officers would be answered force for force.
His warning came amidst the spate of attacks and killing of police and other security agents by armed gangs in the South-East.
As part of his engagements, the IGP paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter N. Mbah, during which discussions centered on strategies to enhance the security architecture of the state and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The IGP stated that he would ensure that the welfare of officers was taken seriously, saying, “No IGP will neglect the welfare of the officers.”
Egbetokun who was in Enugu police headquarters on a one-day official visit, on Friday, January 3, said that the Force would not tolerate any form of assault or killing of police personnel any longer.
“We’ll not tolerate any assault on our police officers, not to talk of killing. Any assault on policemen is criminal. It is an assault on the police IGP. We are not going to take it kindly on any assault on our officers. the IGP said
“We’ll not tolerate it anymore. In 2025, we are going to say no to assault on our police. We are going to say capital no to the killing of our men.
“This year 2025, we are going to approach the year with determination. Determination to stamp out criminals. The ones that have been chased out will not be allowed to return.”
He assured the Enugu State Police Command of being supported with every resource and modern security gadgets.
Egbetokun said: “I am going to support the Command with everything and resources at our disposal so that the achievements you have recorded will not be tampered with and you record more achievements.
“In this year, we are going to vigorously pursue our police vision for Nigeria. We shall emphasize professionalism. We shall emphasize the ethical conduct of our officers. We shall emphasize training and retraining of officers.
“We’ll equip you with modern policing tools to discharge your duties effectively.”
A statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Police PRO, on the IGP’s visit said it aimed at strengthening security and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders in the region.
The IGP was accompanied by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-East, DIG Frank Mba; the AIG Zone 13, AIG Godwin n. Aghaulor; the AIG FCID Annex, Enugu, AIG Kwazhi Bzigu Dali; Commissioners of Police of Enugu and Anambra States, and other senior officers.
As part of his engagements, the IGP paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter N. Mbah, during which discussions centered on strategies to enhance the security architecture of the state and ensure the safety of lives and property. The IGP reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining peace and security across the country and extensively, to Enugu State.
Following his visit to the Governor, the IGP proceeded to the Enugu Council of Traditional Rulers, where he was warmly received by the Chairman, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asabo, and other esteemed traditional rulers.
The Inspector-General of Police further emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in enhancing community-based security initiatives and urged their continued support and collaboration in addressing security challenges in the state.
This visit underscores the IGP’s dedication to community-oriented policing and his resolve to engage with diverse stakeholders to strengthen trust, cooperation, and proactive crime prevention measures in Enugu State and the South-East region at large.
Addressing the officers and men, the IGP harped on discipline, professionalism and decency. Every Police Officer is enjoined to portray pleasant character at all times, showing empathy to citizens while discharging their lawful duties.
The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect lives and property while fostering peace, stability, and development across the nation.
