The Nigeria Police Force has continued to strengthen its operational capacity through its annual “Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO)”, a high-level strategic gathering designed to reposition the Force for modern policing and improved internal security.
The conference, which brings together senior officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above, serves as a platform for reviewing security challenges, evaluating operational strategies, and enhancing professional capacity within the Force.
The maiden 2019 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) took place in Lagos State at Eko Hotel and Suites from October 28–30, with the theme “Repositioning the Force for the Challenges of Effective Policing in the 21st Century.” Organized by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with Matchmakers Consult International and hosted by the Lagos State Government, the event focused on modernizing police strategies.
The conference emphasized transitioning to intelligence-led policing, strengthening community policing, and enhancing the capacity of senior officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above.
Declared open by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the event brought together top police strategic managers.
The conference, which became an annual gathering, resulted in a push for improved professional standards and the establishment of a dedicated Police Institute in Abuja.
The 2019 conference was a critical step in addressing operational challenges and fostering a more proactive, community-oriented police force.
The 2020 Nigeria Police Conference and Retreat, formally known as the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, was themed “Implementing and Operationalizing Community Policing in Nigeria.”
It was held from November 16–19, 2020, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event focused on implementing a community-based security strategy. It brought together senior officers and experts and featured both in-person and virtual sessions in collaboration with Matchmakers Consult International. This followed the 2019 maiden edition.
Other 2020 Key Developments:
Police Act 2020: Enacted to replace the 2004 Act with a focus on transparency and accountability.
Police Week 2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The 2nd Edition of the Nigeria Police Force Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Officers was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from February 8–9, 2022.
The theme, “The New Police Vision: A Roadmap for Stabilizing Internal Security,” focused on updating strategies under the 21st Inspector-General of Police, addressing security challenges, and reforming internal police operations.
The key objectives included reviewing the police vision, mission, and strategies following the appointment of the 21st Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba; assessing government police reform initiatives; and aligning policing strategies with current security realities.
The conference drew senior officers, state governors, members of the National Assembly, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Police Affairs, and heads of other security agencies.
The focus areas included strengthening capacity in intelligence-led policing, improving public relations, and addressing the logistical needs of the Force for better security management.
The conference in Uyo was part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to enhance the capacity and performance of its strategic commanders.
The 3rd Edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), held in Owerri, Imo State, from late October to November 2, 2022, focused on election security governance ahead of the 2023 general elections.
It brought together senior police officers, stakeholders, and policymakers to review crime trends, assess security risks, and refine action plans, with the primary goal of securing the democratic process and improving internal security management.
The 2022 conference was themed around the imperatives of a strategic plan for peaceful elections, focusing on security logistics and professional conduct during the 2023 elections.
The event was critical in preparing senior police leadership, from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above, to ensure the security of the political landscape.
Attendees included top-ranking officers, state governors, the Police Service Commission chairman, and heads of other security agencies.
The agenda focused on evaluating 2023 election security threats, enhancing intelligence-led policing, and strengthening police-citizen confidence.
The conference highlighted proactive measures taken by the police to ensure a peaceful 2023 election process.
The 4th Edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) was held from October 30 to November 1, 2023, at the Landmark Event Centre in Owerri, Imo State.
The event, themed “Fostering Economic Prosperity, Social Integration and Political Development through Enhanced Internal Security Mechanism,” brought together top police leadership and security experts to address critical national security challenges.
The Senior Police Officers Conference promoted the exchange of ideas, best practices, and cutting-edge research in the field of security. Participants learned about the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in various areas of security.
The conference has helped create a vibrant and inclusive professional community where security experts share knowledge, network, and collaborate to improve security practices and address emerging threats.
The 5th Edition of the Nigeria Police Conference and Retreat for Senior Officers (CARSPO 2025) was held from February 24 to 26, 2025, at the H3 Event Centre, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The conference, aimed at enhancing internal security and economic prosperity, focused on inclusive policing and strategic, technology-driven crime management.
The conference, themed “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Other attendees included Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and top security officials from Kenya and Rwanda.
Over 170 senior officers, including Commissioners of Police and above, attended the conference to discuss improving security, fostering professionalism, and implementing technology such as AI-driven mapping, drones, and digital forensics in policing.
The meeting also addressed the need for improved security to support economic growth in Nigeria.
Over the years, the conference has evolved to address contemporary security challenges.
Between 2020 and 2021, discussions focused on the implementation of community policing strategies and adapting policing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Security analysts note that the retreat has played a significant role in shaping reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
The conference has promoted community-based internal security management and strengthened professional development among senior officers. It also contributed to the establishment of the Police Institute in Abuja, aimed at enhancing research, training, and strategic planning within the Force.
In addition, deliberations from the retreat have encouraged a shift toward intelligence-driven policing, the use of technology in crime detection, and improved welfare considerations for officers.
The conference is jointly organized by the Nigeria Police Force and Lenders Consult International Limited. As part of its structure, the organizers engage sponsors to support the event, positioning it as a private-sector-backed initiative to strengthen policing in Nigeria.
Experts say the retreat has become a key platform for shaping policies and strategies that guide policing operations across Nigeria.
