IGP Egbetokun Engages Senate On Oil Theft, Vows Crackdown On Economic Saboteurs
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged the unwavering support of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling crude oil theft, describing it as a grave threat to the nation’s economy.
This assurance came as the IGP received a delegation from the Senate Committee on Oil Theft, led by its Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting, focused on designing a strategic framework to combat the persistent theft of crude oil both onshore and offshore.
Senator Nwoko, in his remarks, stressed that the committee’s success depends on close collaboration with security agencies, especially the Police. “We cannot deliver on this mandate without the strong partnership of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
In response, IGP Egbetokun affirmed the Police’s readiness to partner with the Senate Committee, noting that protecting the nation’s oil infrastructure is a top priority.
He immediately tasked the Deputy Inspectors-General in charge of Operations and Intelligence to liaise with the Committee for coordinated efforts.
In a separate engagement, the IGP also hosted a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by its Chairperson, Dr. Salamatu Husaini Sulaiman, and Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN).
The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration on police accountability and human rights protection.
Dr. Ojukwu lauded the IGP’s proactive handling of complaints and discipline of erring officers, as well as the recognition of exemplary personnel like SP Sentome Obi, who was named Police Officer of the Year 2024.
The IGP reaffirmed that respect for human rights remains central to policing in Nigeria, revealing that human rights training has been mainstreamed into all police academies. “We frown at arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and unlawful detention.
Policing must align with dignity, fairness, and justice,” he said, adding that the Force remains open to constructive feedback.
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