IGP Pledges Crackdown on Oil Theft, Strengthens Human Rights Reforms in Police Operations
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to combat crude oil theft and strengthen human rights practices across its operations.
During a high-level meeting on Thursday with the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, IGP Egbetokun pledged full collaboration with lawmakers to end oil theft—a menace he described as a serious threat to the country’s economic stability.
The Senate delegation, led by its Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko, emphasized that eliminating crude oil theft is key to boosting Nigeria’s production targets and national revenue.
“The issue of crude oil theft is a matter of national emergency. Our committee cannot succeed without the active involvement of the Nigeria Police Force,” Senator Nwoko said during the engagement at the IGP Smart Conference Hall.
In response, IGP Egbetokun applauded the committee’s proactive steps and assured the lawmakers of the Police’s unwavering support in safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.
To that end, he directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Operations and Intelligence to immediately liaise with the Senate Committee to formulate robust onshore and offshore strategies to confront oil theft networks.
In a separate development the same day, the IGP also hosted officials of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by Dr. Salamatu Husaini Sulaiman, Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, and Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), Executive Secretary.
The visit was aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Police Force and the NHRC in promoting human rights, fostering police accountability, and ensuring compliance with the Human Rights Act.
Dr. Ojukwu commended the Police under Egbetokun’s leadership for addressing public complaints transparently and recognizing professionalism within the ranks—citing SP Sentome Obi, who was recently honored as Police Officer of the Year 2024.
In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance policy for human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, and excessive use of force.
“Policing is fundamentally about protecting and respecting human rights. Under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to embrace feedback and constructive criticism to improve our operations,” he stated.
He further revealed that human rights education has now been fully integrated into all police training programs across the country.
The back-to-back meetings with key national institutions highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling critical security and social challenges through partnerships, reforms, and an unwavering focus on professionalism and public trust. Read More
