Unprofessional officers tarnishing police investigation department’s image – IG

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated on Monday that some unprofessional officers have compromised the integrity of the police investigation department.

According to him, these officers have either mishandled cases due to incompetence or acted out of personal interest, thereby tarnishing the image of the police.

Speaking at a workshop organised to standardise criminal investigations, he said efforts are underway to remove unprofessional officers and revamp the Force’s intelligence and investigation departments.

Egbetokun said, “Regrettably, aside from human errors, which are sometimes unavoidable, it has been observed that certain unprofessional officers have compromised the Investigation Department’s integrity.
These individuals mishandle cases due to incompetence or personal gain, tarnishing the Force’s image and eroding public confidence. To address this, we are taking urgent steps to weed out unprofessional officers and strengthen our Investigation and Intelligence Departments.”

Egbetokun noted that to enhance accountability and maintain professionalism, effective immediately, the deployment of officers into and out of the Criminal Investigation Department and other investigative units would strictly follow a structured mobilisation and demobilisation process.

“This structured approach ensures that only officers who have been vetted and adequately trained are mobilised into investigative roles. Demobilisation will also follow a systematic process whereby officers are withdrawn after completing their assignments to prevent the development of corrupt practices or entrenchment in certain roles. This approach is designed to maintain high levels of operational integrity and impartiality in criminal investigations across the Force,” he added.
Egbetokun also announced plans to establish new detective colleges across the six geopolitical zones.

He said, “In recognition of the growing need for specialised training, the Force will propose the establishment of new Detective Colleges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These colleges will serve as centres of excellence, providing robust training programmes not only for police officers but also for private detectives.

“The expansion of detective training facilities will increase access to high-quality education in criminal investigation, contributing to the overall professionalisation of investigative services in the country. It will also foster collaboration between public law enforcement and private security providers, enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.”

He added that all officers deployed to the CID must complete a professional training programme at the police detective colleges.
He said, “Criminal investigations require specialised skills beyond routine policing. Officers deployed to the CID or other investigation units must undergo comprehensive training to ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex criminal cases. It is now mandatory for all officers to complete the Specialised Professional Training Programme at recognised institutions, such as the Police Detective College, Enugu, or other designated detective colleges in Nigeria.”

He also urged officers to adopt child-sensitive approaches when handling cases involving minors.

Egbetokun said, “Child-friendly policing is essential to modern law enforcement practices. Every interaction with a child, whether as a victim, witness, or even an offender, must be carried out with sensitivity and professionalism. To implement this, we are introducing a comprehensive Child-Friendly Policing Framework that mandates specialised training for officers who engage with minors.

“This framework will include trauma-informed investigative techniques, emphasising the importance of non-intimidating environments, respectful communication, and psychological support.

“By adopting these child-sensitive approaches, we ensure that minors are not subjected to further trauma during police investigations while fostering an environment that encourages them to cooperate with law enforcement.”

Egbetokun called on officers to treat suspects in custody with dignity and respect.

He said, “Our unwavering commitment to upholding stringent protocols for the care of persons in custody is a cornerstone of our operational ethics, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations such as children.

“These meticulously designed protocols are tailored to guarantee that every individual detained under our supervision is treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and humanity. This approach is essential not only for meeting legal and ethical standards but also for safeguarding the rights and well-being of those in our custody.

“This adherence to high standards in custodial care is more than a procedural necessity; it is a moral imperative that reinforces our role as protectors of the community. It establishes a foundation of ethical practices that enhance our interactions with the public, ensuring that our actions reflect the values of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.”