IGP charges commissioners of police to prioritise people-friendly, professional policing

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, has charged Commissioners of Police, CPs, in the country to adopt people-friendly policing, uphold human rights and strengthen accountability to rebuild public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP gave the directive during a virtual meeting with police commissioners nationwide, stressing the need for professionalism, discipline and effective service delivery at all levels of the Force.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst in a post on X on Friday, he (IGP) urged the commissioners to ensure that officers under their command treated citizens with civility, respected their dignity and conducted all operations in strict compliance with established rules and regulations.

He explained that the police chief emphasised that policing must be guided by the welfare of citizens, responsiveness to public concerns and accountability for the conduct of officers and further charged the CPs to ensure that the directive was implemented throughout their commands, including at divisional police headquarters, where most citizens have direct contact with the police.

Makama explained that the IGP stressed that public trust remained essential to effective policing, particularly in intelligence gathering, crime prevention and the timely response to security threats.

“A policing system that treats citizens with respect, he noted, is better positioned to encourage cooperation and secure the public support required to tackle crime and criminality,” the security analyst stated.

He added that the directive also underscores the importance of professional conduct at checkpoints, during stop-and-search operations, in police stations and in other interactions between officers and members of the public.

To ensure compliance, he said the commissioners were urged to promote a culture that rewards professionalism and good conduct while ensuring that misconduct attracts prompt and appropriate disciplinary action.

The IGP’s charge comes amid continuing calls for improved police accountability, respect for fundamental rights and stronger relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.