IGP Orders 50% Crime Reduction: Nigeria’s Bold Push for Safer Communities

Abeokuta, Nigeria – In a sweeping directive aimed at curbing crime nationwide, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated all police commands to implement strategies that will slash crime rates by 50% before the end of 2025. The announcement was made at the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, between February 24 and 26, 2025.

This directive aligns with President Bola Tinubu's security vision, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to a professionally competent, intelligence-driven police force. The theme of the conference, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” underscores the importance of law enforcement in fostering national stability and economic growth.

A New Era of Crime Reduction Strategies

IGP Egbetokun’s mandate calls for a holistic approach to crime reduction, leveraging intelligence, technology, and community-based policing to achieve measurable results. Addressing senior police officers, he emphasized that policing must evolve to meet modern security challenges, with proactive strategies replacing reactive measures.

“The theme of this retreat highlights the President’s plan to build a professionally competent, intelligence-driven police force that can proactively address emerging security threats,” Egbetokun stated.

The IGP highlighted that recent inter-agency collaborations have already yielded significant successes in combating organized crime, banditry, and kidnapping. The new directive builds on this momentum, setting a firm target for reducing criminal activities across the country.

Collaboration with Security Forces: A United Front Against Crime

The fight against crime is no longer a solo effort. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified cooperation with the military, intelligence agencies, and community stakeholders to tackle insecurity at its root. Reports from various police formations indicate a surge in joint operations, strategic deployments, and intelligence-sharing, all contributing to a notable drop in criminal activities.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, lauded the directive but stressed the need for officer well-being as a critical component of effective policing.

“A regular and comprehensive health check, including psychiatric assessments, must not be overlooked. The mental and physical well-being of officers directly impacts their effectiveness,” Ebie noted.

Policing with Limited Manpower: A National Challenge

Despite this ambitious goal, Nigeria's police force faces a stark reality: a severe manpower shortage. With an estimated 370,000 officers tasked with protecting over 230 million citizens, the current ratio falls short of international standards. This challenge underscores the urgency for strategic resource allocation, increased recruitment, and stronger community policing initiatives.

To bridge this gap, police authorities are advocating for enhanced grassroots involvement in security efforts. Local vigilante groups, community watch networks, and intelligence-sharing platforms are being strengthened to support law enforcement in crime prevention.

Tangible Progress in Prosecution

Reports from various police commands indicate that the implementation of the IGP’s directive is already underway. The renewed focus on swift and effective prosecutions has seen a marked increase in cases reaching the courts, ensuring that offenders face justice.

Several high-profile arrests and convictions have been recorded in recent weeks, demonstrating the impact of these intensified operations. Senior officers have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety.

A Safer Nigeria on the Horizon

The IGP’s directive represents more than just a policy shift—it is a bold commitment to national security and public confidence. By combining intelligence-driven policing, inter-agency cooperation, officer well-being initiatives, and community partnerships, the Nigeria Police Force is positioning itself to deliver on its mandate of a safer, crime-free society.

As these strategies unfold, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether this ambitious goal of halving crime by 2025 becomes a reality.

With these pillars in place, Nigeria is poised for a transformation in policing and security. The next few months will be critical in determining whether the 50% crime reduction goal is attainable, but one thing is certain—the wheels of change are in motion.