Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has disclosed that the police high command is set to execute President Bola Tinubu’s directives, which include the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties and the development of a community policing strategy.
This announcement was made on Monday during a two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs, where the minister emphasized the critical state of the Nigeria Police Force and the ministry. She highlighted the challenges arising from decades of neglect, hindering their ability to fulfill their constitutional mandate.
Addressing the gathering, Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed the ministry’s commitment to aligning efforts with President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and highly effective Nigeria Police Force. She specifically outlined key areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for the Police Inspectorate Department to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning.
“The Police Service Department must optimize its administrative functions, ensuring the adoption of cutting-edge technology and fostering an intelligence-led, technology-driven, inclusive, and community-based police force in Nigeria,” she stated.
Suleiman-Ibrahim also called for a review of the curriculum in training institutions to reflect the evolving landscape of law enforcement, incorporating contemporary practices and international standards. The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department were urged to position itself as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting cutting-edge research to inform policymaking.
The minister underscored the importance of evidence-based strategies and collaboration with renowned research institutions to shape the future of the Nigeria Police Force. As the country grapples with various security challenges, these reforms aim to enhance police performance and efficiency in line with the president’s directives.