HURIWA’S Mischievous Call for the Sack of the IGP: A Desperate Attempt to Mislead the Nation -By Sadiq Umar

The recent call by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, is nothing short of mischievous, baseless, and driven by ulterior motives rather than patriotic concern for Nigeria’s security. In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group accused the IGP of incompetence and claimed that the internal security architecture of the country has collapsed under his leadership. Such a claim, however, reflects a shallow understanding of Nigeria’s complex security dynamics and an unfair assessment of the reforms currently being undertaken within the Nigeria Police Force.

To begin with, the security challenges confronting Nigeria did not begin with the appointment of IGP Egbetokun. Insecurity in the country is a multi-dimensional issue that predates this administration and is being addressed through coordinated inter-agency efforts involving the military, intelligence services, and the police. It is therefore grossly irresponsible for HURIWA to isolate the IGP as the scapegoat in a situation that demands collective institutional responsibility.

Since assuming office, IGP Egbetokun has embarked on a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for efficiency, professionalism, and accountability. His administration has strengthened community policing initiatives, enhanced intelligence gathering, and reinvigorated the morale of personnel through welfare improvements and strategic deployments. For the first time in years, the Force has begun to witness renewed public confidence, largely due to the IGP’s emphasis on technology-driven policing and inter-agency collaboration. These efforts, though still in progress, are yielding measurable results across the federation.

HURIWA’s accusation that the IGP was retained merely because he is a “kinsman” of the President is not only divisive but dangerous. It is an attempt to inject ethnic sentiment into national security discourse—a strategy often employed by opportunistic groups seeking relevance in the media space. The Nigeria Police Force, under IGP Egbetokun, has demonstrated fairness, professionalism, and commitment to national unity. Reducing his leadership to tribal patronage is not only disrespectful to his decades of meritorious service but also an insult to the institution he represents.

It is also hypocritical for HURIWA to commend the President’s adherence to federal character in appointing new service chiefs while condemning him for retaining a police chief who has been performing within the limits of available resources and institutional constraints. The police cannot operate effectively without the necessary logistics, manpower, and community support. Yet, under Egbetokun’s leadership, the Force has continued to respond swiftly to emerging threats, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain law and order despite enormous challenges.

The truth is that Nigeria’s internal security situation is not a product of one man’s failure. It is a consequence of years of neglect, systemic underfunding, and societal decay. It will take time, patience, and continuity of purpose to rebuild the policing structure to meet modern security demands. Rather than calling for the IGP’s removal, groups like HURIWA should channel their advocacy toward supporting institutional reforms, police-community cooperation, and improved funding for the Force.

President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated leadership by ensuring stability in the security sector. The recent changes among the service chiefs were part of a broader strategy to inject fresh energy into the military. The decision to retain the IGP is a reflection of confidence in his ongoing reforms and a recognition that the fight against insecurity requires consistency at the leadership level.

HURIWA’s call, therefore, stands exposed as a hasty, politically motivated outburst designed to score cheap publicity rather than contribute meaningfully to the security discourse. Nigeria needs constructive criticism, not ethnic manipulation or sensationalism disguised as advocacy. The nation’s security agencies require encouragement and collaboration, not needless distractions from self-styled rights groups that thrive on controversy.

At a time when Nigeria is consolidating gains in intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy, attempts to undermine the leadership of the police through unfounded accusations only serve the interests of those who benefit from instability. The President should be commended for his prudence and not pressured by baseless agitation.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, deserves support, not sabotage. His ongoing reforms are critical to the nation’s long-term security objectives. As Nigeria continues its march toward peace and stability, it is imperative that groups like HURIWA rise above mischief and embrace national interest over sensationalism.

Sadiq Umar is a Security Analyst