The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday received two key delegations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in separate high-level meetings aimed at addressing national security and accountability issues.
According to a statement by the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the first meeting was with members of the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft, led by its Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko.
“The engagement was part of an ongoing strategic initiative to tackle the persistent issue of crude oil theft both onshore and offshore,” the statement read.
Senator Nwoko reiterated the committee’s mandate to eliminate oil theft in order to meet Nigeria’s oil production targets.
He acknowledged that achieving this goal requires strong institutional collaboration, particularly with the Nigeria Police Force, which he described as a critical stakeholder in securing oil infrastructure and curbing illegal activities in the sector.
In his response, IGP Egbetokun commended the Senate Committee for its commitment to national development and pledged the full support of the Nigeria Police Force.
He assured the delegation of the Force’s readiness to deploy necessary resources and intelligence to support the anti-oil theft efforts.
The IGP also directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Operations and Force Intelligence to immediately begin working with the Committee to implement actionable strategies.
Later in the day, the IGP received a delegation from the NHRC, led by its Governing Council Chairperson, Dr. Salamatu Husaini Sulaiman, and the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the police and the commission on human rights protection and police accountability.
Dr. Ojukwu praised the Nigeria Police Force for its increasing responsiveness to public complaints, disciplinary actions against erring officers, and recognition of exemplary service — citing the award presented to SP Sentome Obi as the 2024 Police Officer of the Year.
IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to promoting human rights, noting that all police training institutions now incorporate human rights education.
He stressed that arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and unlawful detentions are unacceptable under his leadership.
The IGP also emphasized that the Force remains open to criticism and public feedback, viewing them as opportunities for institutional growth and reform.
The day’s engagements underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s strategic role in both safeguarding national resources and upholding civil liberties.
