In response to the ongoing security challenges confronting the nation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has initiated an advanced training program aimed at enhancing the executive capabilities of its senior officers in addressing intricate security threats.
Held on Monday, this training session was themed ‘Navigating Rapidly Evolving Security Threats in a Prolonged Conflict Landscape’ and was facilitated by the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).
During the opening remarks, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetukun, emphasized the relevance of the workshop’s theme, stating, “This focus on managing swiftly changing security dynamics within a long-standing conflict environment is profoundly timely. It captures the essence of our current reality-conflicts that persist over extended periods yet continuously transform in nature and intensity. Our adversaries are not only relentless but also highly adaptable. Criminal networks leverage modern technology to broaden their influence, while terrorist groups frequently rebrand and restructure to evade capture. Localized disputes now frequently transcend borders, fueled by social media and international alliances. Addressing such complexity requires more than bravery; it demands strategic foresight, innovation, and the flexibility to lead amid constant change.”
He continued, “Effective leadership in this context must balance patience with urgency, resilience with creativity, and strategic planning with unwavering determination. This workshop is designed to equip you, as leaders, with the skills to anticipate challenges, adapt swiftly, and make decisive moves where hesitation could prove costly. The one-day program aims to deepen your leadership acumen in this demanding environment.”
“Our goal extends beyond individual skill enhancement to fostering a collective evolution within the Nigeria Police Force. We aspire to build an institution characterized by agile planning, courageous execution, and a unified vision. Success will be measured not by the heroics of a few but by our collective ability to foresee threats, respond cohesively, and provide tangible security that Nigerians experience daily.”
“This training must transcend traditional lectures and note-taking. It should inspire a fundamental shift in mindset, strategic recalibration, and renewed dedication. The insights gained here must influence our policies, shape our operations, and positively impact the everyday safety of Nigerian citizens. Every lesson must translate into action, reinforcing the security framework that holds our nation together.”
Also addressing the gathering, Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, president of SPSP, highlighted that the executive capacity building initiative aligns closely with IGP Egbetukun’s policing vision, which prioritizes adherence to legal standards, proactive crime prevention, technological advancements in intelligence, and strong inter-agency cooperation.
He added, “This program is in harmony with Nigeria’s National Security Strategy, the Police Reform Agenda, and international peacebuilding principles. It reflects our mutual dedication to institutional excellence, forward-thinking operations, and ethical leadership. Through expert-led presentations, interactive discussions, case analyses, and collaborative engagement, we aim to empower senior officers not only with tactical skills but also with the strategic insight necessary for impactful and principled leadership.”
Further elaborating, Awuapila stated, “SPSP remains committed to promoting peace and security through rigorous research, advocacy, capacity development, and professional integrity. By supporting the senior leadership of the NPF, we reinforce our conviction that effective policing transcends enforcement-it requires vision, partnership, and courageous leadership.”
“It has been less than a year since we formalized our partnership with the NPF through a Memorandum of Understanding. Within this timeframe, SPSP has been entrusted with training personnel across various ranks. We have successfully conducted sessions for the intermediate cadre, particularly Chief Superintendents of Police, and today, we are honored to engage with the highest-ranking officers. Additionally, around one hundred officers have joined SPSP as members and have been officially inducted. We are grateful for this trust and confidence. In recognition, today’s training is offered as a complimentary capacity-building initiative.”
