The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday hosted the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and officials of the National Human Rights Commission at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in combating oil theft and enhancing police accountability.
During the meeting with the Senate committee, led by Senator Ned Nwoko, the IGP and lawmakers discussed strategies to curb crude oil theft onshore and offshore in Nigeria.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, 31st July 2025, received a high-powered delegation from the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft led by the Chairman, Senator Ned Nwoko, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“This is part of strategic moves to discuss strategies to curb onshore and offshore oil theft in Nigeria,” the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement he shared on his official X account on Thursday.
The statement quoted Nwoko as stressing that ending crude oil theft was essential to Nigeria’s economic stability and emphasised the importance of collaboration with the police.
“During the meeting, the Chairman stated that the committee’s mandate is to ensure crude oil theft comes to an end so the country’s oil production targets can be met.
“He emphasized that this mandate cannot be achieved by the committee alone without robust collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, which is critical to combatting the theft of the nation’s crude oil”, the statement continued.
In response, Egbetokun pledged the police’s full support to the committee’s objectives and directed top police officials to begin immediate collaboration.
“In response, the IGP extended his profound appreciation for the committee’s visit and their commitment to addressing such a vital national issue.
“The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to combating crude oil theft, protecting critical national infrastructure, and ensuring the perpetrators of this economic sabotage are brought to justice”, the statement added.
He assured the committee of the Force’s readiness to implement robust measures and leverage all available resources to support the committee’s mandate and immediately directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the Departments of Operations and Force Intelligence to work with the ommittee to achieve its mandate.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission also met with the IGP to discuss areas of mutual interest, including the protection of human rights and police reform.
“Similarly, a delegation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) led by the Chairperson of the Commission’s Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Husaini Sulaiman, alongside the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, and other distinguished council members met with the IGP to discuss areas of mutual interest and deepen cooperation on human rights protection and police accountability to address issues of human rights violations and strict compliance with the Human Rights Act”, the statement continued.
The NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, commended the IGP for taking disciplinary action against errant officers and recognising exemplary conduct within the Force.
“In addition, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, commended the IGP for the effectiveness with which complaints from members of the public against erring officers are handled and disciplinary sanctions awarded. He also described as commendable the honour bestowed on SP Sentome Obi as the Police Officer of the Year, 2024, and others alike for their positive impact on policing”, the statement added.
Responding, the IGP reaffirmed the police’s commitment to human rights protection and welcomed constructive criticism.
“The Inspector-General of Police extended his heartfelt appreciation for the visit, stating that the Force values the partnership it has with the NHRC.
“He highlighted that human rights training has been introduced in all police training institutions to ensure that police officers uphold human rights in accordance with best practices.
“The IGP affirmed that policing centres on upholding human rights and that the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership frowns at arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and unlawful detention. “He concluded by stating that the Force is open to criticism and feedback, which he believes will help the NPF improve its operations,” the statement concluded.
