IGP Alkali Baba Pledges Continual Commitment To Police Reform Initiative

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, on Tuesday 4th April, 2023, received officials from the Police Reform and Transformation Office (PORTO), Presidency, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Research and Strategy, Mr. Tunji Lardner on an official visit to handover Nigeria Police Force Strategic Communication Materials and other working tools produced by Supporting Police Reform Processes in Nigeria (SPRPiN) project led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Security Sector Reform Foundation (GS-Foundation) in collaboration with PORTO, CLEEN Foundation, the NPF and the office of Chief of Staff to the President.

Mr. Lardner noted that the project is part of the support to the Police Reform Initiative in Nigeria to shape perceptions and enhance awareness of the law and the ongoing Police Reform process. The materials launched include 2,000 copies of the Police Act, 2020; 2,000 copies of the Presidential Roadmap on Police Reform; 4,000 copies of Frequently Asked Questions produced in English, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo; and 1,000 flash drives containing various legislations on policing in Nigeria. The e-copies of the materials are available for download on the Nigeria Police and the CLEEN Foundation websites.

Similarly, the IGP in conjunction with the European Union (EU) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), launched newly produced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Conduct of Investigations; Arrest and Management of Persons in Police Detention and Custody; Conducting Investigative Interviewing; Search and Seizures; Identification Parade; and Conducting Stop and Search to boost smooth investigation, interrogation, and effective use and enforcement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Nigeria. The documents have been produced and circulated to officers and men having undergone necessary training sessions which will be continuous.

The Inspector-General of Police appreciated the efforts of the PORTO, the British Council, and ICRC towards fostering reforms in the policing system of the country. He expressed the commitment of the NPF towards fruitful partnerships for effective communication of the Presidential Reform Agenda across board and sustainable reforms in the NPF.