Review of national security key to combating vandalism, oil theft – IGP

Olukayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has emphasised the importance of a comprehensive national security review to combat rising vandalism and oil theft.

Highlighting the urgency of these issues, Egbetokun called for enhanced strategies and coordinated efforts among security agencies to protect public assets and ensure national stability.

In an address at an emergency conference with strategic managers of the police force held in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP decried critical internal security issues facing Nigeria.

Egbetokun acknowledged the ongoing threats of terrorism, banditry, oil theft, armed robbery, and kidnapping, emphasising the grave concern posed by the spate of vandalism and theft of public assets. He announced that the conference would also deliberate on the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI), set for launch this week.

Egbetokun highlighted the police force’s commitment to overcoming complex and multi-faceted security challenges, noting that recent strategies have yielded significant results.

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He reported a steady decline in crime rates over the past few months, with a drop in major crimes from 734 in May and 530 in June to 416 in the past month. Additionally, 1,284 suspects were arrested nationwide, 284 firearms and 6,702 rounds of ammunition were recovered, 107 vehicles were seized, and 97 kidnapping victims were rescued.

“Efforts to curb oil theft have also seen success, with the reorganization of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) resulting in 13 incidents of intercepted stolen crude and arrests. Most of these cases are already in court”, he said.

Addressing the pervasive issue of vandalism, Egbetokun called for enhanced protection of public infrastructure, including manhole covers, rail lines, and public lights.

He directed officers to mobilise resources effectively and collaborate with other security agencies to address this scourge.

The Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI) is to be launched on July 25, 2024, aimed at adopting environment-friendly practices, technologies, and policies within the force.

This initiative, discussed at COP28 in Dubai last year, is expected to improve operational efficiency and contribute to the livelihood of Nigerian residents.