Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has called for enhanced professionalism and standards in criminal investigations in the country.

He made the call while addressing law enforcement officers in a workshop on enhancing professionalism in criminal investigations, held on Monday in Abuja.

The conference, attended by senior police investigative and intelligence heads from across Nigeria, focused on elevating investigative standards, ensuring transparency, and reinforcing the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to public trust.

In his opening remarks, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of professionalism as a pillar of effective policing.

He described professionalism as the foundation of public trust and effective service delivery, underscoring that investigative integrity is essential for a just and equitable criminal justice system.

“Our practices must be thorough, unbiased, and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards, as these commitments maintain public trust and strengthen our reputation within the community,” he stated.

A key theme of the address was the protection of child rights within police operations. Dr. Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, highlighting the need for child-sensitive policing.

This approach aims to create a supportive environment that respects the rights and dignity of children in all police interactions.

“We are dedicated to ensuring our interactions with young individuals are non-traumatic and respectful, laying a foundation of trust between the police and the younger generation,” he said.

Egbetokun also emphasized the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the humane treatment of detainees, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children.

Strict custodial care protocols are to be rigorously enforced, ensuring that all detained persons are treated with dignity and respect. This, he noted, is essential for building trust with the public and aligning the Force with national and international human rights standards.

The Inspector-General announced a series of initiatives to upgrade skills within the Force’s investigative departments.

He outlined a comprehensive training framework that includes mandatory specialized courses at recognized institutions like the Police Detective College, Enugu, and advanced courses for senior officers at the Police Staff College, Jos.

Officers who complete the rigorous training will be certified as detectives, a formal recognition that will reflect in their ranks.

“This certification represents our commitment to professionalism and ensures that our investigative teams are equipped with the skills needed to handle complex cases effectively,” Egbetokun said.

Annual detective workshops will also be implemented, covering forensic science advancements, digital crime investigation, and legal updates to keep officers well-prepared for modern challenges.

Egbetokun praised officers for recent successes, citing 35,604 convictions from 128,988 cases processed so far in 2024. He lauded the officers’ skill and dedication in high-profile cases, including the rescue of medical students in Benue and several minors from kidnappers, as well as substantial arms and ammunition recoveries.

However, the Inspector-General also highlighted recent performance issues and misconduct within the investigation units. He acknowledged that some officers have compromised the Force’s integrity through incompetence or unethical behavior.

“We are implementing stricter protocols to weed out unprofessional officers and strengthen our departments, as these actions are crucial for maintaining public confidence,” he affirmed.

To ensure accountability, Egbetokun announced a new mobilization and demobilization system for officer assignments within investigative units, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Only vetted and adequately trained officers will be deployed to these units, with structured rotations to prevent corrupt practices. The establishment of new detective colleges in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones was also proposed to enhance the Force’s capacity to train qualified investigators, in turn, strengthening the criminal justice system nationwide.

A newly established unit at Force Headquarters will oversee these reforms, ensuring compliance with the Police Act 2020 and facilitating continuous professional development across the Force.

Officers within the Intelligence Department will now undergo basic training at the Intelligence School in Kwara State. This measure aims to professionalize intelligence gathering and ensure that only skilled personnel are entrusted with sensitive roles.

Egbetokun urged officers to carry out their duties with renewed dedication, stating that these reforms will create a safer, more just Nigeria.

“Our collective efforts will lead to a safer, more prosperous nation,” he said, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s mission to serve with integrity and uphold the rule of law.