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The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges constraining the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Speaking at a Citizens Town Hall Engagement in Lagos State, Mrs. Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the government’s dedication to implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at revolutionizing the NPF’s efficacy.

Asserting the administration’s proactive stance, the Minister underscored the significance of deep-seated reforms, underpinned by an innovative resource mobilization and allocation framework, to surmount the historical impediments that have hampered previous reform initiatives.

“At the core of our vision is the transformation of the NPF into a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based, fully attuned to its constitutional obligations,” she stated optimistically.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the NPF in safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, Mrs. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed confidence in the force’s capability to fulfill its mandate effectively. She emphasized the administration’s dedication to the full-scale implementation of the community policing strategy, as enshrined in the Police Act 2020, marking a pivotal shift in the government’s approach to law enforcement.

Recognizing the intrinsic local nature of security, the Minister stressed the imperative for grassroots involvement in comprehending the unique security dynamics of diverse communities and devising tailored, community-specific solutions. She emphasized that local security interventions should be meticulously crafted in alignment with distinct community nuances, with active participation from community members.

In delineating the strategic frameworks underpinning the NPF’s revitalization, Mrs. Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined six foundational pillars, emblematic of the government’s comprehensive approach to fortifying the force. These include:

1. Technical and Operational Excellence: Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and refining operational protocols to enhance the proficiency of police personnel, bolstering air and marine capabilities for heightened operational prowess.
2. Infrastructure Standardization and Modernization: Undertaking a sweeping initiative to fortify the physical infrastructure of the NPF, encompassing facility upgrades and command center establishment to amplify operational efficiency.
3. Officer Welfare Enhancement: Prioritizing the well-being of officers through the implementation of robust support systems and healthcare measures.
4. Policy Framework Consolidation: Formulating a cohesive policy framework as the linchpin of the law enforcement apparatus, alongside the initiation of a strategic branding campaign to elevate the force’s public image.
5. Community Collaboration and Public Trust: Fostering collaborative partnerships within communities to augment citizen engagement and bolster public trust, anchoring the NPF’s evolution in a realm characterized by transparency and community rapport.

By articulating these foundational pillars, the Minister encapsulated the government’s overarching objective to position the Nigeria Police Force on a trajectory defined by transparency, public confidence, and symbiotic community relations.

In amalgamating substantive reforms with community-centric strategies, the Nigerian government sets the stage for a transformative evolution of the NPF, emblematic of its resolute commitment to fortifying the nation’s law enforcement infrastructure and fostering harmonious community relationships.