…Says financial ties may compromise professionalism, urges ethical relations
Gladness Gideon
The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a cautionary appeal to host communities across Nigeria, urging them to resist the growing trend of giving large personal loans to police officers posted to their areas.
Speaking through the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, during the inauguration of a new divisional police headquarters in Imane, Olamaboro Local Government Area on Tuesday, the IG emphasized that such financial entanglements could undermine the professionalism and accountability of officers.
“Let me sound a note of warning to members of the community that in the course of relating with officers and men that will be posted here, they will come to you and ask for loans and financial assistance. But you should not advance heavy loans which will be difficult for them to repay,” Dantawaye cautioned.
The inauguration of the newly completed divisional headquarters marks a significant milestone for Imane — it is the first facility of its kind in the area, and it was constructed and donated by a native of the community, Dr. Peter Ali, as part of efforts to enhance local security.
Also present at the ceremony was the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo. Commending the donor’s gesture, the deputy governor urged the people of Imane to work closely with the officers assigned to the new division, especially in intelligence sharing.
“I urge you to create synergy with officers that would be deployed here in the area of intelligence gathering so as to improve the security architecture and provide safety of lives and property,” Oyibo said.
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For Dr. Ali, the donation was more than a building — it was a contribution to the soul of the community’s safety net. He expressed hope that the facility would strengthen trust between law enforcement and the people.
“As we commission this headquarters today, we are not just opening doors to a building, we are opening avenues for enhanced security, improved response times, and strengthened relationships between our communities and the police,” he said.
He further called on residents to ensure the facility is well-maintained and fully utilized as a symbol of the community’s commitment to peace and security.
The event not only highlighted a new chapter in community-led development but also sparked conversation around ethical engagement between civilians and security agents — a narrative often overlooked in security discussions.