The Inspector General Of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned the newly graduated police constables to steer clear of corruption, extortion, and other unethical practices as they commence their service to the nation.
Egbetokun gave the charge on Tuesday during the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the new recruits held at the Ikeja Police College in Lagos.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 3, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, the police chief urged the officers to maintain professionalism and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as they discharge their duties.
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Addressing the ceremony, Egbetokun described the event as a “historic milestone” towards strengthening national security. He noted that the constables underwent six months of rigorous training anchored on modern policing techniques tailored to address contemporary security challenges.
“The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority. I am confident that the knowledge and discipline imparted to them will reflect in their professional conduct,” he stated.
The IGP further disclosed that, in line with the policy of community-oriented policing, the majority of the newly trained constables have been strategically deployed to their states of origin. According to him, the approach is intended to build local trust, enhance intelligence gathering, and deepen police-community collaboration.
Egbetokun, however, warned the recruits against corrupt practices and the misuse of their uniforms.
“The uniform you wear is a symbol of trust, and it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect,” he cautioned.
Highlighting efforts to address manpower shortages in the force, the IGP commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of an additional 30,000 constables annually. He noted that arrangements for the implementation of the policy would begin soon after the current exercise.
“Under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force remains fully aligned with this vision and is committed to building a modern, reformed, and professional institution that Nigeria can trust and take pride in,” Egbetokun affirmed.
