In a recent two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, affirmed the commitment of the police high command to execute President Bola Tinubu’s directives.

These directives include the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties and the development of a community policing strategy.

Addressing the critical state of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Ministry of Police Affairs, Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized their dedication to aligning efforts with President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and highly effective NPF.

ALSO READ: Activist urges Tinubu to invest $150m Abacha loot in Niger Delta development

She highlighted key areas of focus, stating, “The Police Inspectorate Department… should evolve its operations to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning.”

The Minister stressed the importance of factual and evidence-based reporting to enhance police performance.

She further outlined responsibilities for different departments, stating that the Police Service Department should optimize administration, implement relevant policies, and foster the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department was urged to position itself as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting research to inform policymaking.

Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized that key mandates include developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy.

ALSO READ: Israel PM declares plan to take over ‘Overall Security’ of Gaza after war with hamas

These initiatives are seen as transformative measures to enhance internal security in Nigeria.

It is noteworthy that the retreat comes after President Tinubu’s directive to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort duties, a move aimed at reassigning personnel to the Special Intervention Squad to bolster the internal security architecture.

The clarification was provided by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who emphasized that the withdrawal does not constitute a blanket ban on all police officers providing VIP escort services.

ALSO READ: Fubara acknowledges Tinubu’s intervention in rivers crisis

Instead, it specifically pertains to Police Mobile Force personnel.

The Ministry of Police Affairs is gearing up to implement these directives to strengthen the NPF and address the consequences of decades of neglect, contributing to the realization of a renewed and effective police force in Nigeria.