Oil theft: IGP Egbetokun reiterates Police’s commitment to combat menace

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating crude oil theft, protecting critical national infrastructure, and ensuring that perpetrators of economic sabotage are brought to justice.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to the statement, IGP Egbetokun made the commitment when he received a high-powered delegation from the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft, led by its Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko.

The statement noted that IGP Egbetokun assured the Committee of the Force’s readiness to implement robust measures and leverage all available resources to support the Committee’s mandate in the course of its assignment.

The IGP immediately directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the Departments of Operations and Force Intelligence to work with the Committee to achieve its objectives.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee stated that the Committee’s mandate was to ensure that crude oil theft is curbed so the country’s oil production targets can be met. He emphasized that this mandate cannot be achieved by the Committee alone without robust collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, which is critical to combating the theft of the nation’s crude oil.

The statement further noted that, in a related development, the IGP also received a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by the Chairperson of the Commission’s Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Husaini Sulaiman, alongside the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, and other council members.

The delegation discussed issues of mutual interest and sought to deepen cooperation on human rights protection and police accountability, particularly to address issues of human rights violations and ensure strict compliance with the Human Rights Act.

The statement further explained that the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, commended the IGP for the effectiveness with which complaints from members of the public against erring officers have been handled and disciplinary sanctions enforced.

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He also described as commendable the honour bestowed on SP Sentome Obi as the Police Officer of the Year, 2024, and others recognized for their positive impact on policing.

According to the statement, “The Inspector-General of Police extended his heartfelt appreciation for the visit, stating that the Force values the partnership it has with the NHRC.

“He highlighted that human rights training has been introduced to all police training institutions to ensure that police officers uphold human rights in accordance with best practices.”

The IGP affirmed that policing centres on upholding human rights and that the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership frowns upon arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and unlawful detention. He disclosed that the Force is open to criticism and feedback, which he said would help the NPF improve its operations.

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