By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, reaffirmes the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to partnering with traditional rulers to strengthen grassroots security and foster sustainable peace across the country.
Egbetokun made the pledge when he received a delegation of prominent Southwest monarchs, led by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, and his wife, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
A statement by the Force says the meeting was attended by the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Olu of Ilaro, the Oloro of Oro, the Olusin of Ijora Isin, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, a member of the House of Representatives, other federal lawmakers, and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West, Adebowale Williams.
The statement signed by Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, qoutes the IGP as describing traditional institutions as a vital link between the police and communities.
He notes that their influence and local knowledge are indispensable in addressing security challenges at the grassroots.
“We will continue to work closely with our traditional rulers to ensure inclusivity at the grassroots and to promote peace and development,” Egbetokun says.
The police chief also restates his administration’s focus on professionalism, service delivery, respect for the rule of law, and the adoption of technology-driven, intelligence-led policing.
Earlier in the day, Egbetokun also hosted the Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Poland, Michal Cygan, and representatives of W-B Group, a leading Polish security solutions provider, to discuss an integrated communication platform aimed at enhancing the ICT capacity of the Force.
