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Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/478 Date: July 31st, 2025
The Director of News
…………………………….
PRESS RELEASE
IGP HOSTS SENATE COMMITTEE ON OIL THEFT, CHARTS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK TO COMBAT CRUDE OIL THEFT
Also Receives NHRC Delegation, Reaffirms Commitment to Professionalism, Human Rights Protection
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, distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja. This is part of strategic moves to discuss strategies to curb the onshore and offshore oil theft in Nigeria.
During the meeting, the Chairman stated that the committee’s mandate is to ensure curb 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 theft of the nation’s crude oil.
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. 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 Operation and Force Intelligence to work with the Committee to achieve its mandate.
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 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 Acts. 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 Inspector-General of Police extended his heartfelt appreciation for the visit, stating that value the partnership the Force has with the NHRC. He highlighted that human rights training has been introduced to 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.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA
31st July, 2025
