President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to equipping the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and enhancing the welfare of its personnel as part of ongoing efforts to effectively protect and serve Nigerians.
Speaking on Saturday during the passing-out parade and commissioning of the Regular Officers Course 6 at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State, President Tinubu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that, as a government committed to sustainable growth, his administration is fully aware that the development of any country is directly woven into the strength of its institutions.
Accordingly, he listed critical measures being undertaken by the administration in this regard to include acquisition of new vehicles, communication equipment, and forensic tools to enhance crime detection and prevention.
In a digital age when policing has evolved, President Tinubu implored the Police Force to keep pace “with modern technology, leveraging data analytics and digital tools to combat crime more effectively”.
He also tasked the force on community policing, pointing out that it is not merely a strategy but also the backbone of effective law enforcement.
As part of efforts to address the shortage of police personnel, the President said his administration has also embarked on a recruitment drive across the nation “to address the longstanding issue of understaffing within the police force.
The President applauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, the leadership of the NPF and the entire staff of the Nigeria Police Academy, saying their professionalism, dedication, and passion contributed in molding the newly commissioned police officers into future leaders of the force.
For the graduating cadets, President Tinubu reminded them that the badge they were now putting on is not just a mere symbol of authority, but a mark of the trust and confidence Nigerians have placed in them, even as he urged them to embrace innovation and bring fresh perspectives to the force.
In his address, the Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, AIG Sadiq I. Abubakar, reiterated the determination of the academy to produce ideal superior police officers equipped with knowledge and skills to face the challenges of policing in an increasingly complex Nigerian society.
The Commandant urged the graduands to be the embodiment of justice, professionalism and defender of peace, order and national security, saying, “Always do your best to be a good ambassador of this great institution, your family and the Nigerian Police Force.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his tireless efforts toward addressing the needs and concerns of the academy.
