The Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, has been tasked by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to purge the force of dishonest officials.
As he was saying this, he promised the National Assembly’s complete support and collaboration for improved Nigeria Police operations.
Akpabio made the declaration at the inaugural Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony, which took place in Abuja yesterday.
The Senate President thanked the Nigeria Police Force’s leadership, including Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, for organizing the event and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to commemorate the force’s accomplishments and reaffirm their shared commitment to collaborating for a more secure and safe Nigeria.
He said, “I applaud the Police for their initial endeavour in setting up this awards ceremony. It’s evidence of IGP Egbetokun’s dedication to honouring the right people. In addition to inspiring officers to perform better, acknowledging their brave, altruistic, and patriotic contributions also helps the Force advance its new policy goal.
“This agenda emphasizes strengthening the fight against corruption, restoring professional standards, and revitalizing internal ethics.
“This agenda focuses on internal ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards and the enhancement of the anti-corruption drive.
“However, let us not ignore the challenges faced by the police in Nigeria. The ever-evolving landscape of crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs pose significant obstacles.
“Moreso, as we honour the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. We must address these issues and work together to find solutions,” he emphasised.
Akpabio told the audience which included Vice President Kashim Shettima that “As the leader of the National Assembly, I pledge our full cooperation and support for the better policing of Nigeria.
“We recognise the importance of a well-equipped and motivated police force in ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively.”
Speaking further, Akpabio added that the Police Force needs the support of all stakeholders in the nation for effective service delivery.
He added, “The Police need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to overcome these challenges and build a stronger and more effective Police Force.
“I congratulate the awardees who have excelled in their respective fields of policing. Their dedication, bravery and integrity have set them apart and made them deserving of this recognition.
“I commend every one of them for their outstanding performance and commitment to the service of our nation. I urge them to remember that to whom much is given, much is expected.”
In addition to the awards given on various aspects of policing, posthumous awards in memorial recognition of the fallen heroes were given to the seven police personnel killed at Ugheli forest in Delta State on 20th February 2024.
Representatives of the families of the deceased received the awards as well as cheques for their entitlements. Akpabio, while making the presentation of the posthumous awards on behalf of the Nigeria Police, announced that he would support each of the families with one million naira to pay their way back home while the Senate as an institution committed to supporting the families of the deceased with N20 million.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, also announced a donation of N20 million to support the families of the deceased.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the Senate President and Kano State Governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families.
