Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The Police have resolved to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the mental state of serving police officers across the federation. This move may not be unconnected with the alleged rising wave of extortion and abuse of office by some serving police personnel.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has repeatedly stated that the Police under his watch will not tolerate corruption, extortion of money from citizens, and abuse of power by police personnel.
The resolution to conduct a nationwide research on the effect of mental health on serving police officers is contained in the communique issued at the end of the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, which held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from February 24 to 26, 2025.
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According to the communique made available to the press, the Police said, “We will conduct a nationwide research on the impact of mental health on police officers and the discharge of their duties. We will revamp the counselling unit to accommodate mental health challenges with competent personnel within the Nigeria Police and implement a mental health policy.”
The conference mandated the Inspector-General of Police to commission a research study focusing on the challenges of mental health in the Force, with the goal of developing evidence-based policy.
Furthermore, the communique resolved to “revisit the memo establishing the Counselling Unit in all Zones, Commands, and Formations, and bring in officers with expertise in Guidance and Counselling, and psychology.”
The Police also reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging inclusive policing strategies, advanced technology, and international cooperation to improve Nigeria’s internal security and economic prosperity.
The conference resolutions also included the establishment of a COMPSTAT performance management system, increased investment in digital policing tools, and the development of forensic units in all police commands.
The conference also resolved to prioritize inclusive policing through people-centered, community-driven strategies to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.
The conference, which was attended by over 170 senior police officers, including four Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, 37 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and 120 Commissioners of Police, focused on the theme “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing.”
The event featured presentations from various stakeholders, including the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Inspector-General of Police, Rwanda National Police, Felix Namuhoranye.
The conference was declared closed by the Inspector-General of Police on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
