Retired IGPs back reform agenda, urge Tinubu to boost police funding

Former Inspectors-General of Police have threw their weight behind ongoing reform efforts in the Nigeria Police Force, while calling on President Bola Tinubu to significantly increase funding for the Force to enable it effectively tackle the country’s growing security challenges.

This came to the fire when Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, on Tuesday hosted members of the Association of Retired Inspectors-General of Police in Abuja,

Egbetokun described the visit by former police chiefs as a significant moment for the Force, noting that it reflected unity, shared service and a commitment that transcends tenure in office.

He paid tribute to the retired IGPs, referring to them as “fathers of the Force” who shaped its direction and devoted their years in service to national security and stability.

According to him, bringing together past and present leadership strengthens institutional memory and reinforces the principle that policing is a lifelong commitment.

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The IGP said Nigeria’s security landscape remains dynamic, with threats ranging from violent crimes and kidnapping to cybercrime and communal unrest.

He stressed that addressing these challenges requires intelligence-led, professional and citizen-centred policing anchored on public trust, ethical conduct and accountability.

Highlighting reforms undertaken in the past two years, Egbetokun said the Force had upgraded its intelligence unit to a full department to enhance proactive crime prevention.

He also disclosed that the medical unit had been elevated to a directorate, with medical records digitised to improve healthcare delivery to personnel nationwide.

To boost operational capacity, he said additional Police Mobile Force squadrons numbered 79 to 84 had been established across the country to strengthen rapid response capabilities.

“New senior command stations have also been created to improve command efficiency and expand police presence in strategic locations”, he added.

The IGP further announced the creation of a Special Intervention Squad, a new tactical formation deployed in select states for targeted operations against violent crimes.

Egbetokun said the Force had intensified its focus on ethics and professionalism, making weekly training on professional conduct compulsory at state command levels.

Promotions, he added, are now strictly merit-based under an event-driven framework tied to discipline, competence and service record, with over 1,000 officers promoted under the system.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as sustained misinformation and disinformation campaigns against the Force on certain social media platforms, warning that such narratives undermine public confidence and the sacrifices of officers. Despite this, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to human rights, transparency and accountability.

Responding on behalf of the retired IGPs,
Mohammed Abubakar, former Inspector-General of Police, while pledging support for the current IGP, commended Egbetokun for sustaining reform efforts and pledged the continued support of former police chiefs.

Abubakar said the meeting provided an opportunity for retired leaders to share their experience and expertise with the current leadership.

He encouraged the IGP to remain steadfast and legally committed in the discharge of his duties.

He also made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to prioritise adequate funding for the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that improved financial support would enable the institution to fully assume its strategic role in guaranteeing safety and security across the country.