By Christopher Oji
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said that, owing to changing crime dynamics in the country, police authorities have started the review of the training manual of the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun, while speaking yesterday at the kick-off of the police training manual and basic curriculum design in Lagos, stressed that the time was right to take decisive steps for the police to measure up to serious crime challenges in the country.
The IGP said the review of the training manual was predicated on the fact that the Nigeria Police Force would like to stay on top of its game, adding that Nigerian society was a dynamic one in which crime trends, patterns and modus operandi continue to change.
“We have seen the disruptive influence and impact of technology, artificial intelligence and other forms of technologies. The internet and other digital platforms are providing digital sanctuary for all forms of criminals.
“So, the police must continue to move with the times. Therefore, what we are doing here today is to look holistically at our existing training manuals. Look at the areas where we need to update, redefine and bring to tune the demands of 21st century policing.
“We need to be able to train our police officers to respond to the trends of the challenges of our time. And that is exactly why we are here. We want to be able to bequeath on Nigerians a police force that is professionally dynamic. A police force that will incorporate the use of force and the use of dialogue. A police force that blends human rights, gender sensitivity as well as the use of digital tools to ensure that the country and her people are safer and better.
“I am pleased to note that this review is inclusive and participatory. It is not a theoretical exercise behind closed doors, but a truly national collaboration, bringing together veteran officers who bring institutional memory and field-tested insight; serving personnel who understand frontline practicality and demands of day-to-day policing; academics and pedagogical experts, to provide innovation and international learning standards; civil society and human rights advocates, to ensure a curriculum grounded in rights-based and gender-sensitive policing; development partners, who enrich this process with global perspectives and technical support; community representatives, whose voices remind us that the ultimate beneficiaries of police reform are the citizens we are sworn to protect, “ he stated.
The IGP, represented by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba, further stated that: “it is with a deep sense of professional responsibility and an unwavering commitment to the future of policing in Nigeria that I stand before you this morning to formally inaugurate one of the most transformative undertakings in our ongoing journey of institutional reform — the Comprehensive Review of the Nigeria Police Force Training Manuals and Basic Curriculum Design.
“This event is yet another powerful declaration of our intent — that we are determined to reposition the Nigeria Police Force to a modern, professional, and people-focused institution. We are saying, unequivocally, that the cornerstone of effective policing is not in weapons or uniforms, but in the minds we shape, the values we instill, and the ethical standards we uphold.
“We are operating in a world of rising complexity. Crime has taken new forms — evolving from street-level offences to sophisticated cybercriminal networks, transnational cartels, and ideologically driven violence. Simultaneously, the public we serve is demanding more — more accountability, more transparency, deeper empathy, and firm commitment to human rights and community trust.
“In the face of these realities, we must confront a series of uncomfortable but necessary questions: Are our current training manuals and curricula fit for the realities of 21st-century policing? Do they reflect the values of justice, integrity, accountability and democratic policing? Are we training our officers to merely enforce the law — or to uphold the rule of law with dignity, discretion and discipline? Are we benchmarking against international best practices, modern learning methods and emerging technologies?
“The answers, if we are honest, highlight the urgent need for reform. Reform is no longer optional. It is essential, not just for relevance but for the very legitimacy of our institution. Our vision is bold yet deliberate — to build a world-class, forward-looking and contextually relevant training architecture that empowers every police officer in Nigeria to serve with professionalism, dignity and distinction.
“We are committed to producing a new breed of police officers who are professionally competent — trained in crime prevention, investigation, forensics and operational tactics, with the intelligent deployment of technology; ethically grounded — anchored in accountability, respect for human rights, integrity, and justice; community-oriented — culturally aware, socially responsive and capable of resolving conflicts with empathy, fairness and dialogue”.
Also at the event, the team lead, Governance, Peace and Security, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Chamila Hemmathageme, said the UNDP would continue to assist the Nigeria Police.
Hemmathageme, who handed over a compendium of UNDP achievements in Nigeria, called on participants to be active and bring out their best during the five-day training programme.
On his part, deputy project manager, Global Security Foundation, Uwe Heller, from Germany, stated that the German government would also continue to assist the Nigeria Police.
He challenged the participants at the training programme, whose dossiers and educational qualifications were intimidating, to bring out their best and contribute to the reforms and transformational agenda of the IGP for the police force.