By Emiola Osifeso
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has called on Border Patrol Commanders across the country to intensify efforts in ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s frontiers. He emphasized that the Commanders, as the nation’s first line of defence against external security threats, bear the heavy responsibility of preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, preventing avoidable bloodshed, and safeguarding the very identity of the country. The IGP gave this charge during a conference with Border Patrol Commanders held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Addressing the officers, Egbetokun highlighted the vastness and complexity of Nigeria’s borders as well as the long maritime corridors that connect the country to the Gulf of Guinea. He commended the persistent efforts of the Force Border Patrol Unit in confronting the evolving nature of crimes perpetrated along the borders, while stressing the need for commanders to consistently anticipate, innovate, and outthink criminal elements. According to him, “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 Inspector-General reiterated that modern policing requires intelligence-led approaches, stronger trust with border communities, and effective collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee lasting security. He assured that his leadership remains committed to improving the welfare of police personnel and acknowledged the sacrifices made daily by officers and commanders who operate in difficult and sometimes hostile terrains.
IGP Egbetokun urged the commanders not to relent in their duty to preempt and prevent cross-border criminal activities, assuring Nigerians that the Force will continue to work tirelessly to secure the nation, protect its people, and defend its sovereignty.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, in a statement issued on Friday, September 12, 2025, reaffirmed the Inspector-General’s charge to the commanders. The statement read: “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. 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.”
The statement was signed by Hundeyin on behalf of the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
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