As part of what he described as his “unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational professionalism,” the Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate and comprehensive institutional review of the 128-page report recently published by Amnesty International (AI), titled: ‘A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-east Nigeria.’
This is just as the Police Service Commission (PSC), in a separate development, unveiled its newly acquired recruitment portal in Abuja.
The report alleged a pattern of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the South-east.
Egbetokun, in a statement signed by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), directed relevant departments and affected field formations to undertake a meticulous, line-by-line assessment of the report.
This process, Egbetokun said, would involve cross-referencing the allegations with internal operational records, field intelligence, and situation reports from police commands and tactical units within the South-east region.
The IG stated that this action aligns with his unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational professionalism.
He further noted that, while the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens, it is equally necessary to place on record that previous reports by Amnesty International have, on occasion, contained factual inaccuracies and sweeping generalisations.
The current review, the IG said, would be guided by facts, operational evidence, and a dedication to institutional integrity.
“After the review, the Force will issue a detailed and evidence-based response, addressing the specific issues raised in the report. This engagement will reflect the Force’s principled approach to constructive criticism and its responsibility to protect public trust through verified information and contextual clarity,” IG said.
He also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to lawful, accountable, and rights-based policing, assuring that the Force will continue to enhance internal accountability mechanisms, improve training in human rights standards, and deepen institutional reforms in line with global best practices.
Egbetokun added that the Force under his leadership remains open to genuine engagement with civil society organisations, human rights institutions, international partners, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The IG encouraged all stakeholders to approach such matters with objectivity, accuracy, and a balanced understanding of the complex security realities confronting the country.
Meanwhile, the PSC has unveiled its newly acquired recruitment portal in Abuja.
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The commission stated that the new recruitment portal, which is now ready, would be used for the recruitment of both its staff and all categories of police officers during designated recruitment periods.
The commission further revealed that it has put modalities in place to decentralise police recruitment and allow recruitment desk officers from the states to play key roles during the 2025 recruitment exercise.
A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, stated that this decision was reached during the Commission’s meeting with representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.
Though this decision to decentralise police recruitment is at variance with the stance of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, the Commission pledged to ensure that all stakeholders including the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Character Commission will have access to the portal in the interest of inclusiveness and transparency.
It emphasised that this would also help prevent corruption and nepotism in the recruitment process.
Ani noted that the commission, for the first time, held a consultative meeting with the primary beneficiaries of its recruitment exercise officers in charge of recruitment from the 36 states and the FCT where far-reaching decisions were taken on how best to improve and consolidate efficient, transparent, accountable, and equitable recruitment in the country
