Tinubu chairs Police Council meeting at Aso Villa

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday presided over a crucial meeting of the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with deliberations focusing on internal security challenges and institutional reforms within the police architecture.

The meeting, which commenced at 2:39 p.m. local time, transiting from a hybrid meeting of the National Council of State which had been held earlier, brought together key stakeholders in the nation’s security and justice sectors to review the state of policing and assess strategies for improving law enforcement nationwide.

Shortly before the session began, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar logged out of the virtual platform following the conclusion of the National Council of State meeting.

Similarly, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Alfa Belgore, Walter Onnoghen, Tanko Muhammad, and Kayode Ariwoola, exited the Council Chamber, paving the way for the Police Council’s closed-door deliberations to commence.

In attendance were the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, among other top government and security officials.

The Police Council, a constitutional body, advises the President on the appointment or removal of the IGP and must confirm any new appointment before it becomes official.

Beyond personnel decisions, the Council also provides strategic direction on policy issues related to the organisation, administration, and supervision of the Nigeria Police Force.

Deliberations at Thursday’s meeting are expected to centre on police reforms, discipline, training, and personnel welfare, as well as ways to strengthen intergovernmental coordination between federal and state security agencies.

Council members are also reviewing national security reports, with particular focus on persistent internal security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and communal conflicts, which continue to undermine stability in parts of the country.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to shape future policy directions and operational strategies of the police force as the Tinubu administration pushes for more effective policing nationwide.