USA pledges support for NPF in ongoing reform

… to strengthen efforts on sex offender’s registry database

Etim Ekpimah

The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Service (INL) has pledged the United States of America’s (USA) support for the Nigeria Police Force in the ongoing reform within the force.

The INL Assistant Secretary, Todd Robinson, said this on Monday, 16 October 2023, while congratulating the Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the meeting equally touched upon the need to strengthen efforts related to the Sex Offenders Registry Database, an essential tool in safeguarding communities from sexual offenders and public safety.

According to him, both parties discussed ways to enhance community safety through effective management and utilization of this registry.

He stated: “Recognizing the value of professional development, the IGP and the INL Secretary agreed to consider programmes aimed at ‘training the trainers’ to enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force through the development of skilled and knowledgeable trainers, as well as the importance of digitalization and cloud-based data integration for the Nigeria Police Force.”

He urged the Nigeria Police to provide specific requests for support, pledging assistance in all areas deemed necessary for the force’s continued improvement.

Egbetokun and his team, as part of the professional working visit to the United States for the 130th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference, held a significant and productive meeting with the Assistant Secretary of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Service (INL) of the United States, Todd Robinson.

Adejobi said, “The meeting, which took place on 16th October 2023, at Hilton Hotel, Downtown, San Diego, addressed a range of critical issues, collaborative initiatives, and mutual support aimed at enhancing law enforcement and public safety in Nigeria.

“During the discussions, the IGP highlighted several key areas of focus and collaboration, including the Special Intervention Squad in addressing critical security challenges in Nigeria.”

He added that Egbetokun expressed gratitude for the support received from INL, which has greatly contributed to the development of the Transitional Police Unit and the progress of the Special Intervention Squad initiative.

In attendance at this productive meeting were Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ambassador Todd Robinson, Senior Police Advisors Kara Rose and Karl Weiss, Senior Advisor, ILEA Ross Arends, Dr. Charles Omole, the Force Public Relations Officer – ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s Personal Assistant, CSP Adebowale Ganiyu, and Alhaji Mogaji Busayo, the USA Consultant/Liaison on Police matters.

The Inspector General of Police extends his gratitude to the United States’ International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Service for their unwavering support and commitment to strengthening law enforcement capabilities in Nigeria emphasizing that such partnerships are integral in promoting peace, security, and public safety.