Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, has advocated for the establishment of specialized units within the Nigeria Police Force, each equipped to effectively combat specific categories of crime. This call seeks to address the diverse array of criminal activities prevalent across the country.

The Minister made this appeal during a visit by Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who presented a comprehensive briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Senator Gaidam underscored that the formation of these specialized units necessitates comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for both officers and personnel within the Force….CONTINUE READING

Furthermore, the Minister reiterated the significance of integrating technology into the nation’s policing endeavors, stating, “Investing in technology for surveillance and crime prevention will significantly amplify our capabilities in maintaining law and order.”

He emphasized the importance of appropriate distribution of resources and personnel for the seamless operation of the police force. “It’s crucial that each department possesses the essential manpower and equipment required to effectively fulfill their duties,” he stated. Senator Gaidam also advocated for the establishment of local advisory boards to oversee police activities, and for involving citizens in shaping policing strategies to foster stronger ties between law enforcement and communities.

Senator Gaidam emphasized the timeliness of responding to distress calls in addressing security challenges. “Addressing response time to distress calls collectively is imperative,” he stressed. He proposed achieving this through a combination of technology utilization, inter-agency collaboration, trust-building, and effective information management.

Discussing the readiness of officers to respond, Senator Gaidam proposed the creation of standby units of the Police Mobile Force in each state command to ensure rapid and efficient reactions to unforeseen incidents.

He assured that the government is committed to bolstering the Nigerian Police, pledging adequate funding for operations, procurement of specialized equipment, and prioritizing the welfare of officers.

In the context of intelligence gathering, Senator Gaidam highlighted the importance of robust mechanisms for gathering and analyzing intelligence, which aids in staying ahead of criminal activities. He also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between the police and the judiciary to facilitate smooth administration of justice.

Moreover, the Minister advocated for mechanisms to monitor police conduct, ensuring high standards of professionalism and ethics. He proposed the utilization of body-worn and dashboard cameras in operational vehicles to safeguard the rights and dignity of citizens.

Senator Gaidam concluded by underscoring the importance of respecting human rights and adopting a people-oriented approach in police operations. He reiterated the significance of training and capacity-building, particularly for senior officers, to bolster the growth of the Nigerian Police Force.

Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun echoed the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing national security. He urged stakeholders to support ongoing reform initiatives and foster an enabling environment for police officers.