The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has made a significant move to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force by ordering the immediate posting of 25 senior officers, including seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 18 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to strategic positions across the country. This redeployment is part of the ongoing efforts to reposition the police force and enhance its ability to carry out its duties effectively.
The move, which was announced by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Muyiwa Adejobi, is aimed at improving the performance of the force and addressing the current security challenges in the country. According to ACP Adejobi, this strategic redeployment is intended to ensure that the officers are assigned to roles where they can make the most impact in ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.
Appointments and New Roles
Among the newly appointed AIGs are AIG Margaret Ochalla, who will now head the AIG FCID Annex in Lagos. AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo is appointed to AIG Zone 13, Ukpo, while AIG Fred Ekokotu will oversee AIG Zone 11, Osogbo. AIG Iwo Nemi Edwin Osigboka has been assigned to lead the AIG Border Patrol Force at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and AIG Garba Ahmed is appointed to head the Department of Training and Development (DTD) at the Force Headquarters. Additionally, AIG Salman Dogo is now in charge of AIG Zone 5 in Benin, while AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu will lead AIG Zone 9 in Umuahia.
In addition to the AIGs, the IGP has also posted 18 Commissioners of Police who are acting in the capacity of AIGs, awaiting official approval from the Police Service Commission (PSC). These senior officers have been assigned to various key positions to enhance the police’s strategic operations across the country.
Some of the key appointments include CP Patrick Adedeji Atayero, who will now serve as Commandant at the Police Academy in Kano. CP Tolani Alausa has been posted to AIG Zone 16 in Yenagoa, while CP Musibau Ajani will oversee AIG Zone 17 in Akure. CP Mobolaji Victor Olaiya has been appointed to AIG DICT at the Force Headquarters, and CP Laolu Adegbite will now head AIG Interpol at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. CP Clement Robert is also posted to oversee AIG Community Policing, Research, and Planning at the Force Headquarters.
Other notable appointments include CP Gyongon Augustine Grimah, who will now serve as AIG Zone 10 in Sokoto, and CP Musa Auwal Mohammed, who has been posted to AIG Zone 3 in Yola. CP Mohammed Shehu Dalijan will now oversee the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) at the Force Headquarters, while CP Olatunji Disu has been appointed to AIG Special Protection Unit (SPU) at the Force Headquarters.
Aiming for Better Policing and Security
The IGP, in his statement, tasked the newly appointed officers with embracing their new roles with dedication and professionalism. He expressed confidence that the officers’ wealth of experience and leadership skills will bring positive changes to the force. The IGP also encouraged the senior officers to work closely with the ongoing police reforms and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the force.
In a country like Nigeria, where security challenges such as armed robbery, terrorism, and communal clashes have been prevalent, these strategic postings are expected to play a crucial role in addressing these issues. By assigning experienced officers to critical positions, the IGP aims to ensure that the police are better equipped to respond to the ever-evolving security landscape.
The IGP’s move is also seen as part of the broader effort to implement police reforms that have been ongoing under his leadership. The police force in Nigeria has long been criticized for issues such as corruption, inefficiency, and poor public relations. In response to these criticisms, the IGP has made several changes to improve the force’s reputation and ensure that officers serve the public with integrity and professionalism.
Reforms and Public Expectations
The ongoing police reforms are aimed at improving the overall quality of policing in Nigeria. These reforms focus on modernizing the force’s operations, improving officers’ welfare, and ensuring that police officers adhere to professional standards. The IGP has repeatedly called for the need to address issues such as human rights abuses, the misuse of power, and inadequate training within the force.
In recent months, there has been increased pressure on the Nigerian Police Force to deliver on its mandate of protecting citizens and ensuring law and order. Many Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of security in their communities, citing instances of police brutality, corruption, and poor response times to emergencies. The hope is that these changes will bring about a more effective and accountable police force that Nigerians can trust and rely on.
One of the key aspects of the reforms is the establishment of specialized units within the police force to handle specific areas of law enforcement, such as community policing, counter-terrorism, and cybercrime. The appointments of the new AIGs and CPs to these specialized roles indicate the IGP’s focus on improving these areas and ensuring that the police force is equipped to handle modern-day security challenges.
Security Outlook and National Impact
The new appointments are expected to have a significant impact on national security. With the country facing increasing security threats, including terrorism in the northeast and banditry in the northwest, the role of the police in maintaining law and order has never been more important. In addition to these challenges, Nigeria is also grappling with rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and civil unrest in various parts of the country.
The IGP has assured Nigerians that the redeployment of these officers will contribute to better policing and an improved security environment. He urged the newly posted officers to take their responsibilities seriously and work with local communities, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that the country is safe for all.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues its efforts to modernize and reform, many Nigerians will be closely watching the performance of these new appointees. The hope is that their leadership will bring about the desired improvements in policing and contribute to a safer, more secure Nigeria.
