The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has charged Border Patrol Commanders across the country to discharge their duties with renewed determination, stressing that as the nation’s first line of defence against any external security threat, they carry the enormous responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, preventing bloodshed, and defending the very identity of the nation.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that he issued this charge during a conference with the Commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
In his address, the IGP underscored the vast and complex nature of Nigeria’s borders, and long maritime corridors that link Nigeria to the Gulf of Guinea, and commended the relentless efforts of the Force Border Patrol unit in tackling the dynamic nature of crimes perpetuated at the nation’s borders.
The IGP emphasized that commanders must anticipate, innovate, and outthink criminal elements, noting that “the Nigeria Police Force cannot tackle 21st-century crimes with 20th-century tools. That is why we must embrace technology – surveillance systems, drones, biometric scanners, real-time data analysis”.
The IGP further stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing, community trust, and seamless collaboration with sister agencies as the bedrock of effective border security. While acknowledging the sacrifices of officers and commanders in the line of duty, he assured that under his leadership, the welfare of police personnel remains a priority.
IGP Egbetokun tasked the Commanders not to relent in their strides to preempt and prevent criminal activities at Nigeria’s borders while assuring the public of the Force’s relentless commitment to securing the nation, safeguarding its people, and defending its sovereignty.