The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that effective policing is key to peace and security in the country.

Delivering a lecture at the maiden Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) at the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin in Kwara State, Egbetokun explained that police and citizens have roles to play in achieving a secure environment.

Egbetokun urged collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including the police, institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and the media, “to ensure a holistic approach to policing.”

He said: “The active participation of the public, traditional and religious institutions, and the media in crime prevention and reporting can create a more robust security framework.

“Nigeria can achieve lasting peace and stability, improving the overall safety and quality of life for its citizens, by addressing the challenges impeding effective policing.

“Ultimately, a reformed and empowered police force, backed by a supportive network of stakeholders, can contribute to building a more secure and just society for all Nigerians.

“However, we recognise that overcoming our challenges requires comprehensive reforms, increased funding, the adoption of modern policing techniques to enhance the capabilities of the police and foster greater public trust, and mobilising public support for the police.”

The police chief recommended that police be removed from the envelope budget system, which restricts the police to funding only ongoing projects.

“There should be more allocation of resources to equip and train law enforcement agencies effectively,” he urged.

Egbetokun also suggested the implementation of inclusive community policing programmes to build trust and encourage collaboration.

He called for continuous training in cybercrime and human rights to improve police effectiveness.

The police boss called for the decentralisation of the police force to allow states to operate state-level police departments with clearly defined roles and oversight mechanisms.

He also recommended short and long-term measures toward ensuring legislative reform to update the Police Act, to ensure the modern policing principles are enshrined in the law.

He solicited investment in police welfare, including better salaries, housing, healthcare, and career development opportunities to reduce corruption and enhance job performance.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf, said the topic of the lecture was selected to highlight collaborative efforts among stakeholders in intelligence gathering and effective policing to ensure a crime-free, peaceful, and prosperous society.

He stressed the need for synergy among all security operatives and stakeholders to ensure effective community policing and security of lives and property.

He noted that the university will not relent in its efforts toward equipping students with skills, knowledge, morals, and character as future leaders.