By THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Monday, 11 November 2024, spearheaded a vital conference aimed at enhancing the professionalism of police investigations across Nigeria.
Held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, the event drew heads of Police Investigation Units from across the country, all gathered to improve standards and align with best practices.
Police officers at the workshop
The workshop was designed to strengthen the rigour and objectivity of criminal investigations, enhancing the operational standards upheld by investigative detectives within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Key issues discussed included improving investigative skills and upholding procedures that would foster impartiality and reinforce the foundations of justice.
A major highlight of the workshop was a lecture delivered by Professor Ayodele Atseluwa, a respected law professor from the University of Lagos, titled, “The Child Justice System in Nigeria: An Overview.”
Officers at the workshop
Professor Atseluwa’s presentation underscored the significance of adopting child-sensitive approaches in law enforcement, emphasizing the need for the police to handle cases involving minors with utmost care.
In his address, the IGP reiterated the Force’s dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of children, stressing that Nigerian policing practices should conform to the highest international standards.
He affirmed that the NPF is committed to adhering to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, promoting non-traumatic and rights-focused methods when dealing with young people, and ensuring their dignity is upheld throughout legal processes.
Officers at the workshop in Abuja
Another key session of the workshop featured CP Hycenth Edozie, head of the Nigeria Police Force’s Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Unit, who conducted the training, focused on bolstering the Force’s capacity to counter terrorism and financial crimes.
CP Edozie highlighted strategies for tracking and preventing terrorism financing and money laundering, key areas for Nigeria’s national security.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the event underlined the NPF’s commitment to refining investigative methods through ongoing training, ultimately aiming to produce a well-equipped, rights-conscious police force.
“Continuous training like this strengthens our police force, enabling us to contribute to a safer, fairer society,” ACP Adejobi remarked.
The conference reinforced the NPF’s vision of a police force committed to upholding justice and integrity.
With its dedication to evolving standards, the Nigeria Police Force aims to ensure that all officers are prepared to serve in a way that respects both the law and the rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups.
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