Policing in Nigeria has long struggled with systemic challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to strained public trust. However, the introduction of the Strategic Policing Agenda through Transformative Partnerships (SpAat), led by Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, marks a pivotal shift towards modernising the police force through local and international collaborations. Assistant News Editor PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports
Policing in Nigeria has long been marred by systemic challenges that have hindered its effectiveness and public trust. For decades, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has grappled with inadequate infrastructure, underfunded training schools, and strained relations with the public. These issues not only affected the operational capacity of the Force but also contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment among the citizens it was meant to serve. Despite several attempts by successive leaderships to address these concerns, progress remained limited, as the resources available to the police were often insufficient to make a lasting impact. As Nigerians continued to criticise the Force for failing to meet its core responsibilities, it became clear that a new approach was needed—one that focused not just on internal reforms but also on collaboration with external partners who could bring in expertise, resources, and innovative solutions.
This shift in approach came with the introduction of the Strategic Policing Agenda through Transformative Partnerships (SpAat) by the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. His vision for a more modern, effective police force is centred on collaboration with local and international stakeholders, aimed at improving police training, operational efficiency, and fostering a people-centred approach to policing. Egbetokun’s strategy, which draws from his personal experience as a former Commandant of the Police Training School, has proven to be a game-changer. His focus on improving the infrastructure of police training schools and revising outdated curricula to better align with contemporary policing methods has set the stage for a new era in Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape.
One of the most notable early successes of this new collaborative approach has been the partnership between the Nigerian government and international agencies, such as the German Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Together, they have worked on upgrading key police training schools across the country, including the Police Training School in Ikeja and the Detective College in Enugu, transforming these once dilapidated facilities into state-of-the-art centres for learning. These upgrades have had far-reaching effects. The introduction of advanced training programmes—such as digital forensics, counterterrorism and crisis management—has enabled Nigerian police officers to equip themselves with the skills necessary to tackle modern-day security challenges. This shift toward professionalism and technology-driven policing is critical, particularly as Nigeria faces increasingly complex security threats.
Furthermore, the partnership with the German Government has extended beyond infrastructure. In an unprecedented move, mobile clinics have been donated to the Nigeria Police Force, providing essential healthcare services to officers and local communities, especially in remote areas. These clinics not only improve the well-being of personnel but also help foster a stronger bond of trust between the police and the public. International collaborations have also provided officers with opportunities to undergo specialized training abroad, further enhancing their ability to tackle emerging security threats. From learning advanced policing techniques to studying human rights enforcement and community engagement, Nigerian officers are now better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern law enforcement.
These transformative initiatives represent more than just physical infrastructure or training programs—they signify a fundamental shift in how the Nigeria Police Force operates. Through these collaborations, the NPF is becoming a more modern, effective, and responsive force, one that is increasingly aligned with global best practices. Under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, the Strategic Policing Agenda has marked the beginning of a new era for the Nigeria Police Force. Through international partnerships, modernisation of training facilities and a renewed focus on professional development, the Force is beginning to overcome the long-standing challenges that have plagued it for decades.
Health and welfare improvements
The health and welfare of police officers have long been overlooked, but under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, significant strides are being made to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) addresses the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its personnel. Acknowledging the taxing nature of policing in a country as complex as Nigeria, where officers face significant challenges, IGP Egbetokun has prioritised improvements that will enhance officers’ health and overall morale. One of the standout initiatives is the deployment of mobile clinics to police formations across the country. These clinics are equipped to provide high-quality healthcare to police officers and their families, reducing absenteeism and boosting morale. This initiative addresses a major gap in healthcare access, ensuring that officers receive timely medical attention. By improving healthcare access, the NPF is not only safeguarding the physical well-being of its personnel but also demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of officers, which in turn helps reduce burnout and frustration.
At the just-concluded Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) 2025, IGP Egbetokun highlighted the importance of mental health in policing, an area often neglected in the past. “It is crucial that the mental health of our police operatives is prioritized,” he stated. The mental toll of policing in Nigeria, coupled with the stressors from internal issues such as housing and family challenges, has long been a silent crisis within the Force. With a heavy workload and a high-stress environment, the absence of mental health support can lead to dangerous outcomes, not only for the officers themselves but for the communities they serve.
To address this, IGP Egbetokun is pushing for a robust mental health policy for the police, acknowledging that officers’ emotional and psychological needs must be met to prevent crises such as depression or burnout. During the retreat, specialists suggested the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to mental health within the police force, starting with a country-wide research initiative to assess the mental health challenges faced by officers. The IGP has expressed strong support for this idea, signalling that the establishment of a national survey is a step towards creating a policy that truly addresses the mental health needs of the Force.
Moreover, IGP Egbetokun emphasised that internal issues such as inadequate housing for police personnel were being actively addressed. Thanks to the continued support of President Bola Tinubu, efforts have been ramped up to ensure that officers have access to proper housing, which is a crucial element in reducing stress and improving overall job satisfaction. The IGP’s leadership in this area reflects his understanding of the importance of not only addressing immediate welfare concerns but also ensuring that officers have long-term stability and security.
Another area of significant improvement is the Police Insurance and Welfare Scheme (NPWIS). Originally conceived in 1992 to provide welfare to police officers in case of retirement or unforeseen circumstances, the scheme had faced serious challenges, especially in the area of timely disbursement of benefits. For many years, the Pension Commission was the sole administrator of police pensions, leading to bureaucratic delays and resulting in retired officers and their families facing long waits to access their benefits. These delays led to frustration, protests, and growing discontent within the Force. Under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, the process has been streamlined. Beneficiaries can now file claims from the comfort of their homes, and families of deceased officers have received timely benefits, a major improvement over previous practices. This change has made the entire welfare system more efficient and responsive to the needs of officers and their families, ensuring that they are not left vulnerable in times of crisis.
In addition to health and insurance reforms, IGP Egbetokun has introduced strategic housing initiatives for police personnel. Through the first-ever Police Housing Summit convened under his leadership, a long-overdue focus on improving living conditions for officers has led to the reconstruction of dilapidated barracks and the development of new housing facilities across Nigeria. These initiatives are critical in ensuring that officers have safe, dignified living arrangements, which directly impact their effectiveness and satisfaction in their roles. As IGP Egbetokun stated, “To further enhance the welfare of our officers, we have initiated strategic housing schemes… leading to the reconstruction of dilapidated barracks and the development of new office and accommodation facilities across the country.
“Our personnel, who work tirelessly to protect lives and property, deserve the best, and their welfare remains a top priority of this administration. Investment in human capital is also paramount. We have finalised plans for specialized training in forensic investigation, intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, and cybercrime detection. These training programmes will be conducted in collaboration with both local and international stakeholders to ensure our officers are equipped with the requisite skills for modern law enforcement.”
Through SpAat, a renewed focus on community outreach has led to a stronger bond between the police and the public. These initiatives have not only boosted trust but have also enhanced collaboration, which is critical for effective policing. The reinvigoration of these programs has fostered a sense of shared responsibility and improved relationships, paving the way for more positive interactions between officers and citizens. One significant example of the tangible effects of these reforms is the deployment of mobile clinics to rural areas, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where access to healthcare services has often been limited. These clinics have become an essential part of community support, serving both police officers and civilians alike. In one instance, a mobile clinic saved the life of an officer’s child suffering from malaria. This powerful example highlights the importance of these mobile clinics in providing crucial medical care to those who might otherwise go without, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the police force and the communities they serve.
Furthermore, the return of officers who received specialised training in Germany has proven to be a game-changer. They implemented new crowd management techniques during protests in Lagos, which helped to reduce violence and ensure that demonstrations were peaceful. This is just one instance of how international partnerships are directly contributing to the enhancement of policing strategies and helping ensure that police actions align with global best practices. It highlights the police force’s commitment to ensuring public safety, while respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
In a side interview at the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba, who is in charge of Training and Development, elaborated on some of the reforms initiated and emphasised how they directly benefit the Nigerian public. He explained that many of the policies currently being implemented are a direct result of the valuable insights gained from past conferences. Mba pointed to the Police Social Media Policy as one of the earliest successful outcomes from previous conferences, aimed at improving the police force’s communication and engagement with the public. Similarly, the establishment of the Police Radio in Abuja and the creation of the Nigerian Institute of Police Studies were pivotal decisions made at these retreats that have contributed to the modernisation and professionalisation of the police force.
