The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, announced that the police high command is set to implement President Bola Tinubu’s directives, including the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties and the development of a community policing strategy. She communicated this information during a two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized the critical juncture at which the Nigeria Police Force and the Ministry of Police Affairs find themselves, addressing the consequences of decades of neglect hindering their ability to fulfill their constitutional mandate. She expressed the ministry’s commitment to aligning efforts with the President’s vision for a renewed and highly effective NPF.
The minister highlighted specific departments’ roles, urging the Police Inspectorate Department to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. She emphasized evidence-based reports to enhance police performance and advocated for a curriculum review in training institutions.
Regarding the Police Service Department, Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized administrative optimization, policy development, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology for an intelligence-led, technology-driven, inclusive, and community-based police force.
She underscored the Planning, Research, and Statistics Department’s role as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting research to inform policymaking. The minister emphasized key mandates, including developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and creating a community policing strategy.
In June, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, announced plans to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties. This move aimed to allow the police to reclaim its place in the country’s internal security architecture. However, clarification was later provided, stating that the NPF did not intend to strip legally entitled VIPs of their security details but rather to reassign personnel to the Special Intervention Squad. The withdrawal specifically pertained to Police Mobile Force personnel, not constituting a blanket ban on all police officers providing VIP escort services. The focus was on ensuring safety and effectiveness in service provision while addressing misunderstandings around the directive.
