Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has urged stronger collaboration between security agencies, academic institutions, and local communities, describing citizens—not the military—as Nigeria’s “first line of defence.”
Speaking at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) during a conference on security and development, Egbetokun said sustainable security depends on education, discipline, morality, and civic responsibility. He commended the university for promoting dialogue between academia and law enforcement.
He proposed a “Town–Gown Partnership” model, linking academic research with policing and community engagement. According to him, the “town” represents everyday Nigerians, while the “gown” refers to universities that can serve as security think tanks.
Key focus areas include data-driven policing, youth behavioural studies, cybersecurity education, and community conflict management. Egbetokun noted that crime is increasingly digital, stressing that the police are transforming into a technology-driven, intelligence-led force through cybercrime units, forensics, drones, and data analytics.
However, he warned that “technology alone cannot build trust,” emphasizing ethical conduct and community collaboration as vital to restoring public confidence amid Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
