A former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has proposed a multi-level policing system for Nigeria, comprising federal, state, and community levels. He made this call while delivering the keynote address at the 20th International Conference and General Assembly of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice in Ibadan. Egbetokun emphasized the need for clearly defined roles, rules of engagement, funding arrangements, and accountability mechanisms.
Egbetokun stressed that lasting progress in Nigeria's security sector requires fundamental reforms of its structures and systems. He commended the dedication and commitment of police officers but cautioned that the devolution of policing powers to states and communities must be carefully managed. According to him, there must be a clear delineation of responsibilities among the different levels of policing to avoid conflict and duplication of duties.
The former IGP also advocated for the establishment of research centers in police colleges, military institutions, and other security agencies. He observed that while security agencies possess vast operational experience, much of the knowledge generated from their activities is not adequately documented for research and future planning. Egbetokun believes that this will promote after-action reviews, data analytics, and evidence-based policing.
Egbetokun noted that peace remains one of the fundamental pillars of security. He emphasized that security should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of government, stressing that citizens and communities also have critical roles to play. According to him, security is not what is provided alone by government; it must be produced by society. He identified government, the private sector, academia, communities, and citizens as key stakeholders in building a secure society.
The former IGP also highlighted the need for a shift from a purely national approach to a networked security system. He noted that no country can effectively isolate itself from global security threats, such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, arms and drug trafficking, and illicit financial flows. Egbetokun described these threats as "global networks with local franchises in Nigeria," adding that local insecurity has become part of a wider international "supply chain."
Egbetokun emphasized that security policies must be anchored on human dignity and the everyday needs of citizens, including food, employment, healthcare, and the safety of schools. He argued that poverty and unemployment must be addressed as part of the country's security strategy, stressing that reducing economic vulnerability will help deny extremist groups a pool of potential recruits.
The five-day conference, which began on October 5 and ended on October 9, attracted scholars, security chiefs, policymakers, diplomats, and peacebuilders from Nigeria and beyond. Egbetokun commended the SPSP for bringing scholarship and security practice together and urged participants to ensure that research and practical experience continue to inform one another.
Key points
- Dr. Kayode Egbetokun proposes a multi-level policing system for Nigeria.
- Egbetokun advocates for the establishment of research centers in security agencies.
- He emphasizes the need for a networked security system to tackle global threats.
