Projecting A Better 2026 For The Nigeria Police Through Professionalism, Integrity And People-Centred Policing -By Adewole Kehinde

As Nigeria steps into 2026, the expectations of citizens regarding safety, justice, and public trust in law enforcement remain high. At the centre of these expectations is the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

There is no doubt that the tone, direction, and philosophy of policing currently being entrenched provide a solid foundation for a more professional, accountable, and people-centred police force in the year ahead.

IGP Egbetokun’s policing vision is both timely and forward-looking. Anchored on upholding the sanctity of the legal framework governing the Nigeria Police Force, his approach emphasises strict adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, and due process.

This is critical in restoring public confidence and ensuring that policing is seen not as an instrument of oppression but as a service committed to protecting lives, property, and dignity.

Equally important is the IGP’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge tools, data analytics and intelligence networks to strengthen both human and technical intelligence gathering. In a security environment increasingly defined by complex and asymmetric threats, intelligence-driven policing is no longer optional.

The ongoing efforts to integrate technology, enhance inter-agency collaboration and deploy actionable intelligence must be sustained and expanded in 2026, with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Indeed, the IGP and his management team have already set a workable template for improved internal security. Through strategic deployments, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building measures, the police have continued to strive toward ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

These efforts are essential in providing a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence, socio-economic development and sustainable livelihoods. Security remains the bedrock upon which national growth and prosperity are built.

However, vision and commitment alone cannot deliver optimal results without adequate resources. One of the most persistent challenges confronting the Nigeria Police Force is chronic underfunding. As 2026 approaches, the Federal Government must deliberately confront this reality.

Policing a country as vast and dynamic as Nigeria requires sustained financial investment that matches both present realities and future threats.

The Federal Government should therefore provide a crucial and consistent financial lifeline to the Nigeria Police Force. Adequate funding is indispensable for modernising equipment, upgrading infrastructure, improving welfare, expanding training programmes and deploying advanced technology. Without this, the lofty ideals of professionalism and efficiency will remain constrained by structural limitations.

In this regard, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for assenting to the Nigeria Police Training Institute (Establishment) Bill and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill.

These landmark pieces of legislation represent a decisive step toward addressing the long-standing deficits in training and funding that have hampered effective policing over the years. When fully implemented, the two acts will strengthen institutional capacity, enhance professionalism and ensure more predictable funding for critical police needs.

Looking ahead, 2026 offers an opportunity to consolidate gains and deepen reforms. With sustained presidential support, adequate funding and unwavering commitment from police leadership, the Nigeria Police Force can further entrench professionalism, integrity and people-centred policing. Such a police force will not only enforce the law but also earn the trust and cooperation of the citizens it serves.

A safer Nigeria is achievable, and the pathway is clear. What remains is the collective resolve to stay the course.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.  08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole