Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has described the nation’s security landscape as “complex and dynamic,” citing multiple evolving threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to cybercrime and cross-border criminal activities.
During a strategic conference with senior police officers held in Abuja on Wednesday, Egbetokun commended the resilience and professionalism of officers across the country, while providing updates on recent law enforcement efforts.
“We are daily confronted with diverse threats; from terrorism and insurgency in parts of the North-East, to armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime, and other transnational organised crimes,” he said.
He disclosed that from April to May 2025, police operatives had arrested 1,774 suspects linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, and cultism.
“From April to May, we arrested 1,774 suspects involved in various offences, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
“We recovered 274 firearms, 2,583 rounds of ammunition, 187 stolen or unregistered vehicles, and rescued 476 kidnapped victims, many from highly difficult terrains,” he noted.
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Egbetokun emphasized that these accomplishments reflect the Force’s determination to confront Nigeria’s security challenges head-on. However, he stressed the need for continued vigilance, strategic reforms, and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
“Our work must be relentless. Criminals continue to evolve, and so must we. This is not the time to relent.
“We must redouble our crime-fighting efforts, embrace intelligence-led policing, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism,” he stated.
He also called for improved logistics and deeper community involvement in policing efforts.
“I urge all senior officers to lead by example, inspire their subordinates, and treat every crime as an attack on the soul of our nation,” he said.
Addressing issues around police misconduct and public trust, the IGP warned against misinformation and urged Nigerians to report any abuse or extortion.
“We will not tolerate police misconduct. I encourage citizens to report any form of abuse or extortion through our official channels.
“Your feedback is critical to building a truly professional and people-focused police force,” he added.
Egbetokun concluded by affirming the police’s dedication to public safety and restoring faith in law enforcement.
“Let our actions speak louder than our uniforms. Let our service reflect the best of Nigerian resilience and sacrifice,” he said.
