Kehinde Fajobi
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has warned against assaults on police officers, stating that any attack on Nigeria Police Force personnel will face decisive and collective responses.
During a visit to the Enugu State Police Command on Friday, Egbetokun emphasised the criminal nature of such acts, describing them as an affront to the institution.
“We will not tolerate any assault on our police officers, not to talk of killing. An assault on a policeman is criminal; it is an assault on the IG, and we are not going to take kindly to any act of assault on our officers, not to talk of killing any of our officers,” he stated.
Egbetokun declared 2025 a year of zero tolerance for these attacks.
“Anywhere there is killing of any policeman, you must all respond collectively and appropriately.
“There must be appropriate response from us. Where a policeman is assaulted, there must be appropriate response to it,” he added.
The IGP highlighted efforts to improve officers’ welfare, noting collaboration with the federal government.
He reassured officers of their importance, saying, “Mr. President recognises the sacrifices that you make and is very concerned about you.”
He commended the Enugu State Police Command for their professionalism but acknowledged the presence of “a few bad eggs” tarnishing the force’s image.
“I want to assure you, officers and men of Enugu State Command, that we recognize the good job that you are doing. You are very hardworking and committed. However, there are still a few bad eggs among you that are giving us concerns,” Egbetokun said.
The IGP pledged to support the command with resources and emphasized the importance of training, ethical conduct, and modern policing tools.
He also addressed misinformation about the force, cautioning officers against being swayed by “enemies of the police.”
“There’s a recent one circulating, claiming the IG said any policeman who asks for your phone should be beaten. You can see that this is the handiwork of mischief-makers,” Egbetokun clarified.
Egbetokun assured Nigerians that the police would uphold professionalism and justice while protecting the lives of their personnel.