PSC boss tasks new DIGs, AIGs on innovation, accountability

Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, has tasked newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to adopt strategic leadership, innovation, and accountability as core pillars for reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking at a two-day induction programme held in Abuja, Argungu stressed that rebuilding public trust in the police requires a deliberate shift toward transparency, adherence to corporate governance principles, and modern policing techniques.

Delivering a lead paper titled “Policing Strategic Leadership on Promoting Public Sector Governance, Accountability and Institutional Excellence,” the PSC chairman said the demands of contemporary policing go beyond traditional methods, calling for improved training, adoption of technology, and strengthened international cooperation.

“Modern policing requires the ability to anticipate emerging threats and respond innovatively. In today’s digital environment, outdated intelligence-gathering methods are no longer effective,” Argungu said.

He cited the philosophy of Peter Drucker, urging the new police management team to embrace innovation or risk institutional decline. He particularly highlighted the need to strengthen capabilities in cybercrime detection and the use of electronic evidence as policing evolves in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The induction programme, organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, CLEEN Foundation, and the Federal Government of Germany, brought together critical stakeholders in the security and governance space.

Argungu underscored the importance of the Federal Government’s Corporate Governance Manual, noting that it clearly defines the duties and responsibilities of members of the police management team. He emphasised that accountability and integrity must guide decision-making at all levels.

According to him, police officers are accountable not only under the law but also to oversight bodies such as the National Assembly, the PSC, and the Nigerian public.

He also pointed to persistent complaints against police personnel, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful searches, and the use of excessive force, describing them as major obstacles to public trust.

“The new leadership must confront these issues decisively if the Nigeria Police Force is to regain the confidence of citizens,” he said.

The PSC chairman further highlighted key components of the induction programme, including modules on ethical conduct, financial regulations, and the role of external oversight institutions in ensuring discipline and professionalism within the Force.

Stakeholders at the event included representatives of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the National Human Rights Commission, as discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Police Reform Secretariat.

Argungu described the forum as a critical platform for advancing reforms aimed at promoting professionalism, ethical standards, and institutional excellence in policing.