By Adepote Arowpjobe
Ikorodu, Lagos State – December 22, 2025
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Divisional Police Headquarters in the Eleshin area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. This event marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s security architecture and bring policing closer to the people.
The project, facilitated by the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Mr. Babajimi Benson, through the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), represents a critical shift from merely reacting to crime to proactively creating an environment where effective, community-oriented policing can thrive.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar: A Strategic Investment in Public Safety
In his address, delivered by his representative, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbusehin, IGP Egbetokun framed the new facility as far more than a building. He described it as a “strategic investment in public safety, crime prevention, and community confidence.” This perspective highlights a modern understanding of policing: that operational efficiency is intrinsically linked to the quality of infrastructure. A well-equipped, conducive environment enhances officers’ morale, streamlines investigations, and projects an image of professionalism that fosters public trust.
“A conducive and well-equipped environment such as this enhances operational efficiency, improves service delivery, and brings policing closer to the people,” Egbetokun stated. He commended the NPTF for executing a project that aligns with contemporary policing standards, which increasingly emphasize technology integration, human dignity, and community accessibility.
The Role of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and Legislative Advocacy
The successful completion of this headquarters underscores the vital role of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF). Established to address chronic underfunding, the NPTF is mandated to bridge critical gaps in police training, infrastructure, equipment, and welfare. Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary of the NPTF, noted that this project was a “special intervention” aimed at providing officers with “functional, modern, and dignifying work environments.”
The project also exemplifies the impact of effective legislative advocacy. Rep. Babajimi Benson’s role in facilitating the project through the NPTF demonstrates how lawmakers can directly influence tangible security improvements in their constituencies. Benson linked the new headquarters directly to community prosperity, asserting, “With security, there will be prosperity.” He further pledged continued support, including rehabilitating access roads and providing operational vehicles for the division—addressing logistical challenges that often hamper police responsiveness.
A Community-Centric Approach to Security
The inauguration ceremony was deeply community-focused, reflecting the core philosophy behind the investment. The IGP appealed to residents to see security as a “shared responsibility,” urging cooperation and timely information sharing. This call was echoed by the traditional ruler of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun, who expressed gratitude while appealing for more support to curb crime.
Local representatives, including Mr. Aro Moshood of the Lagos State House of Assembly, used the platform to advocate for even more police formations in the area, indicating a high demand for security presence and a belief that such infrastructure directly correlates with safety.
Context and Future Implications
This inauguration occurs within a broader context of national security reforms championed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the establishment of a presidential task force on police training and welfare. The Eleshin Divisional Headquarters serves as a tangible model for the future: it is a prototype of how strategic partnerships between the police leadership, the NPTF, the National Assembly, and host communities can yield transformative results.
The challenge now lies in sustainability. As the IGP rightly charged the officers, maintaining the facility is paramount. Its long-term value will be measured not just by its modern design, but by how it improves crime clearance rates, community relations, and the day-to-day efficacy of the officers serving within it. If successful, it could provide a blueprint for similar projects across Nigeria, turning isolated “ultra-modern” outposts into a networked standard for 21st-century policing.
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
Source: NAN News
