Abuja, Nigeria – October 26, 2024 — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation into a public altercation between officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo, Osun State. The incident, captured in a widely circulated video, revealed a physical confrontation between the two agencies, which has sparked public concern over the professionalism and cooperation within Nigeria’s security forces.
In a press statement issued today by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP expressed “displeasure at the act of unprofessionalism and public display of dichotomy” displayed by both police and NSCDC personnel. The IGP has tasked the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 11, headquartered in Osogbo, with leading a “discreet investigation” to uncover the underlying causes of the incident.
IGP Egbetokun also emphasized the importance of maintaining *esprit de corps*, or unity and mutual respect, among Nigeria’s security agencies, citing a statement from an NPF strategic conference held last year. He reminded officers of the significance of “camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose” in the effective execution of their duties, stressing that mutual respect and collaboration are crucial for the security and wellbeing of the nation.
The Inspector-General’s response underscores his commitment to fostering a positive working relationship among security agencies. His directive for a thorough investigation aims to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The Nigeria Police Force under my leadership will continually work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for our dear country Nigeria,” IGP Egbetokun stated in his release.
The public eagerly awaits the findings of the Zone 11 investigation, as the IGP’s directive for a professional inquiry into the incident is intended to strengthen the operational harmony between the police and other security agencies. This emphasis on professionalism follows increasing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s security forces and their conduct.
PRESS RELEASE OSUN:
IGP ORDERS INVESTIGATION, SUES FOR ESPIRIT DE CORPS AMONG AGENCIES
In response to a viral video of public confrontation between Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo, Osun State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP kayode Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM, expresses displeasure at the act of unprofessionalism and public display of dichotomy, and has ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone 11, Osogbo to carry out a discreet investigation into the root cause of the confrontation. It is pertinent to recall that in a press statement from the NPF, Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/257 dated 15th October, 2023 “IGP HOLDS STRATEGIC CONFERENCE WITH SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS, harps on professionalism, camaraderie”, the IGP while strongly emphasizing the core essentials of synergy for efficiency and productivity among security operatives stated thus – “At this moment, I must stress the importance of ‘esprit de corps’ – the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose that binds us within our organization and with our colleagues across other agencies. It is essential for the successful execution of our duties that we honor and respect all colleagues and members of other services within the confines of the law”. The IGP however calls for calm as the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership would continually work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies towards ensuring we achieve a safe and secure environment for our dear country Nigeria.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.
26TH OCTOBER 2024.