Egbetokun orders additional training for police officers on human rights, ethical conduct

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered specialised training for police officers to focus on human rights, ethical conduct, and professionalism.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, NPF spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday that Egbetokun spoke during a virtual conference with all strategic managers in the Nigeria Police Force, including tactical commanders, commissioners of police (CPs), assistant inspectors-general of police (AIGs), and the force management team.

Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying that the specialised training aims to ensure that “investigators are equipped to handle increasingly complex and high-profile criminal cases”.

“The IGP emphasised the importance of conducting police duties with the highest level of professionalism, stressing the critical need for enhanced specialized training for criminal investigation department (CID) investigators to bolster the efficiency and thoroughness of the force’s investigative capabilities, ensuring investigators are equipped to handle increasingly complex and high-profile criminal cases,” the statement reads.

“The IGP has directed that additional training and reorientation courses be implemented for all police personnel to project attitudinal change and ensure the consistent maintenance of professional standards in the execution of their duties.

“These courses will focus on areas such as human rights, community policing, ethical conduct, and the proportional use of force, reinforcing the Force’s commitment to serving the public with integrity and respect.

“To further reinforce these efforts and ensure consistent knowledge dissemination, the IGP ordered the implementation of weekly lectures across all levels of the force—divisional, area commands, and state levels.

“These lectures will serve as a platform for continuous professional development, ensuring that all police personnel remain informed of evolving legal frameworks, best practices in policing, technological advancements in law enforcement, and other pertinent developments that support the professional execution of their duties.

“The lectures will also provide an opportunity for interactive discussions and knowledge sharing among officers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the force.”

Egbetokun further charged all strategic managers to be proactive, encourage personnel to maintain professionalism, and uphold public peace and order across the country.

He added that accountability is vital at all levels, and supervisors will be held accountable for their subordinates’ actions, thereby building public trust.