The National Coordinator for Response to Drugs and Related Organized Crime in Nigeria, Mr. Wilson Ighodalo, recently paid a courtesy visit to the new management of the Nigeria Police Force.
During his visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, July 3, 2023, and Thursday, July 6, 2023, he met with the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbeyokun, and the newly promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Frank Emeka Mba.
The purpose of Mr. Ighodalo’s visit was to brief the Acting Inspector-General of Police on an ongoing police training program for police personnel, organized by his organization, The Drug Salvation Foundation. The training program aims to enhance the capacity and skills of police officers in addressing drug abuse and related organized crimes.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, in a previous press release, expressed his commitment to collaborating with experienced trainers, subject matter experts, and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive training program.
He believes that this initiative will strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities, empowering police officers to build trust, understand diverse perspectives, and proactively address public safety issues.
During the visit, Mr. Ighodalo presented the First Phase Pilot Reports on Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Care (DPTC) Sensitization Training for the Nigeria Police Force.
The reports aim to engineer a positive mindset among police officers regarding effective responses to drugs and related organized crime prevention.
The former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, had previously supported drug control efforts in Nigeria by approving training programs for police personnel. The ongoing “Response to Drugs and Related Organized Crime in Nigeria Sensitization Training for the Nigeria Police Force” includes the addition of combating cultism and utilizing sports to engage youths and deter them from criminal activities.
The Drug Salvation Foundation is actively working to enhance the capacity of the police force in decriminalizing drug use and respecting the human rights of drug users. They emphasize the importance of finding more effective responses from law enforcement and the community at large.
Mr. Ighodalo expressed his gratitude to the Acting Inspector-General of Police for supporting their NGO, stating that it would motivate them to give their best in the fight against drug abuse.
He also highlighted the need for the police to adopt harm reduction approaches and bridge the gap between the force and the public through professionalism.
Nigerians expect a disciplined and focused police force that prioritizes fighting crime and protecting society. By providing support and recognition, the Acting Inspector-General of Police aims to motivate the force to deliver their best at all times, as promised.
According to him, “Police also need to adopt harm reduction approaches to reduce the negative consequences of drug use for those who continue to use illicit drugs due to addiction.
The IGP is determined to bridge the gap between the Police and the public through professionalism.”
“Nigerians also expect to see a Police Force that is very disciplined and focused on her traditional responsibility of fighting crime and protecting society. But above all, supporting the Police with laurels can motivate the Force to give its best at all times as promised by the Acting Inspector General of Police.”