The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Integrity Youth Alliance, Adewole Kehinde, has said the annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers has become a critical platform driving institutional reform, strategic reflection, and capacity building within the Nigeria Police Force.
Adewole made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Abuja during a walkathon organised as part of activities marking Nigeria Police Week.
He explained that the retreat, initially conceived as a professional development initiative, has evolved into a high-level forum where senior officers interrogate operational challenges, refine policies, and develop actionable strategies to address Nigeria’s complex security environment.
According to him, the initiative—organised by Lenders Consult International Limited and led by Shina Philips—has been instrumental in sustaining the programme since its inception. He noted that since its maiden edition in 2019 hosted by the Lagos State Government, the conference has been held in cities such as Uyo, Owerri, and Abeokuta, reflecting its growing national relevance and acceptance.
Adewole said the retreat has strengthened leadership capacity within the force by institutionalising structured dialogue among senior officers, particularly those of Commissioner of Police rank and above. He added that the platform promotes peer review, strategic exchange, and critical assessment of crime trends, operational gaps, and resource deployment.
He further noted that deliberations at the conference have enhanced intelligence-led policing, with emphasis on daily crime analysis, improved situation reporting, and data-driven decision-making. These measures, he said, are gradually shifting policing in Nigeria from a reactive to a more proactive and evidence-based approach.
The conference has also consistently highlighted the need for technological advancement, including the digitalisation of police processes and the strengthening of intelligence systems such as the Force Intelligence Bureau and ICT infrastructure. It has also advocated improved inter-agency data sharing and the establishment of intelligence fusion centres for real-time coordination in criminal investigations.
On emerging threats, Adewole said the retreat has encouraged partnerships with technology firms and specialised agencies to equip officers with skills to tackle cybercrime and other digital offences.
Community policing, he added, remains a major focus, with stakeholders advocating stronger engagement between the police and local communities through initiatives such as community-based communication platforms, including radio, to enhance public trust and collaboration.
The retreat has also reinforced discipline, professionalism, and accountability within the force through improved information management, verification processes, biometric personnel documentation, and the proposed reintroduction of pocket notebooks to strengthen operational transparency.
Adewole noted that collaboration with key institutions, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service and private sector stakeholders, has been identified as vital to improving resource mobilisation and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, organisers addressed concerns over the funding of the conference. Shina Philips dismissed allegations of financial misconduct, stating that neither his firm nor its leadership has received funding from the Nigeria Police for the event. He clarified that the retreat is privately driven and sustained through sponsorship arrangements secured since its inception.
Observers say the clarification is essential to preserving the credibility of the initiative, which is widely regarded as a cornerstone of ongoing reforms within the police institution.
As preparations begin for the next edition, stakeholders emphasised that the conference remains an indispensable mechanism for aligning leadership priorities with operational realities, fostering innovation, and strengthening professionalism across the Nigeria Police Force.
They added that beyond policy discussions, the retreat has contributed to measurable improvements in coordination, intelligence gathering, community engagement, and the gradual modernisation of policing practices nationwide.
