IG Reaffirms Commitment to Tackling Oil Theft, Upholding Human Rights
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday hosted the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he pledged the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling the persistent menace of crude oil theft across the country.
The high-powered delegation was led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Ned Nwoko, who disclosed that the committee’s mandate is focused on eradicating oil theft to enable Nigeria meet its production targets. He stressed the importance of strong collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to achieve this national objective.
“The issue of crude oil theft is a matter of national emergency. Our committee cannot succeed without the active involvement of the Nigeria Police Force,” Senator Nwoko emphasized during the meeting held at the IGP Smart Conference Hall.
Responding, IGP Egbetokun lauded the Senate Committee for its proactive stance and assured them of the Police Force’s full cooperation. He said the Force remains committed to protecting critical national assets and bringing oil thieves and their collaborators to justice.
To support this effort, the IGP immediately directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Operations and Intelligence to engage with the Senate Committee to design and implement effective strategies to combat the crime both onshore and offshore.
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In a related development, the IGP also received a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) led by the Chairperson of the Commission’s Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Husaini Sulaiman, and the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN).
The visit centered on strengthening institutional collaboration between the NHRC and the Nigeria Police in promoting human rights, enhancing police accountability, and ensuring strict compliance with the Human Rights Act.
Dr. Ojukwu commended the IGP for handling public complaints against erring officers with seriousness and transparency, as well as the recognition accorded to outstanding personnel such as SP Sentome Obi, who was named Police Officer of the Year 2024.
In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun expressed gratitude for the NHRC’s support and reiterated the Police Force’s zero-tolerance stance on human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and unlawful detention. He noted that human rights modules have now been integrated into all police training curricula.
“Policing is fundamentally about protecting and respecting human rights. Under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to embrace feedback and constructive criticism to improve our operations,” the IGP stated.
The meetings underscore the Force’s ongoing efforts to address key national challenges through strategic partnerships and reforms aimed at boosting professionalism, accountability, and public trust.
By PRNigeria
