By Deborah Akpede
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to improving efficiency and officer readiness as Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative(ECAPI) intensifies efforts to boost community involvement in national security.
Mr Benjamin Okolo, the Deputy Inspector-General(DIG) of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), gave the assurance on Thursday in Lagos.
Okolo spoke at the Police–ECAPI Community Intelligence Gathering Training for the South-West held on Thursday in Ikeja.
Okolo, who acknowledged the complexities of modern policing, stressed that many of the issues officers were faced with stemmed from inadequate training and evolving security threats.
He emphasised the importance of continued capacity building, noting that untrained or insufficiently trained personnel posed risks both to themselves and the public.
The DIG explained the structure of police divisions and area commands, reminding attendees that effective policing depended on both clear organisational hierarchy and proper communication.
According to him, the police currently operate multiple divisions and tactical units, each responsible for specific aspects of security management.
Okolo was represented by Mr Idowu Jayeola, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, at the State Intelligence Department, Lagos State Command.
The DIG also discussed the operational demands placed on officers, particularly those in intelligence and tactical units.
He highlighted the need for officers to understand the difference between defensive policing and criminal behaviour, stressing that professionalism must remain the foundation of all police activity.
He mentioned shortcomings in equipment, logistics, and administrative support, and urged stakeholders to appreciate the pressures officers face on the field.
“We must always be prepared, always be ready, and always ensure we have the necessary tools to respond to threats,” he said.
Okolo, however, appealed to officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and being fair in their operational duties.
He encouraged them to embrace self-improvement, professional training, and ethical conduct, describing these as essential qualities for the modern security environment.
He also stressed that police officers must maintain composure even under pressure, adding “the public expects you to show leadership at critical moments.”
The DIG underscored the importance of understanding command procedures, proper documentation, and the technical aspects of policing, including the handling of operational equipment and classified information.
He said that various police units —tactical, intelligence, and administrative—must function cohesively to achieve national security objectives.
He expressed gratitude to participants for their patience and engagement, reaffirming the Force’s determination to continue reforms aimed at improving public trust, operational readiness, and safety across the nation.
He encouraged officers to remain committed to their duties, assuring them that ongoing structural adjustments would enhance both their working conditions and their ability to protect citizens effectively.
Also speaking, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, Zone 2, stressed the importance of safety, performance, and personal growth during the staff training session.
Fayoade urged officers to engage fully with upcoming lessons and video materials designed to enhance operational knowledge and teamwork.
“When hope is safe, our life, growth, and systems are always safe, “he said.
Fayoade was represented by Mr Taiwo Sunday of the Zonal Intelligence Department.
He noted that the programme aimed to build confidence, teamwork, and continuous improvement among officers despite potential challenges.
Earlier, ECAPI President, Amb. Samuel Adam, called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, stressing that national safety required active public involvement.
He praised the Nigeria Police Force and ECAPI’s partnership in grassroots crime-fighting, noting the organisation now had over 8,000 members nationwide.
“Security is everybody’s business,” Adam said, urging citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities,” he said.
He acknowledged evolving criminal tactics but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and community-focused strategies would improve public safety.
Adam reaffirmed ECAPI’s commitment to supporting the police through training, public awareness, and better communication to build safer communities.
Also, the Lagos State Commander and National Training Coordinator, Amb. Reagan Onuoha, said the organisation’s proven track record in crime prevention was why police incorporated them into its activities.
According to him, ECAPI trains selected Nigerians through undercover programmes, conducts strict background checks, and runs public awareness campaigns on cultism, hard drugs and other crimes.
“Among our members, there has never been any record of crime,” Onuoha noted.
He urged citizens to join ECAPI to help tackle insecurity, saying the police and other agencies could not do it alone.
He said that ECAPI planned to take its training programmes to the South-East region before expanding to other parts of the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
