The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Border Patrol Commanders across the country to step up their efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and curbing cross-border crimes.

Speaking at a conference with the commanders in Abuja on Friday, the IGP described the officers as the nation’s “first line of defence” against external threats and emphasized that they carry the responsibility of preventing bloodshed and protecting Nigeria’s identity.

Egbetokun highlighted the vast and porous nature of Nigeria’s land borders and long maritime corridors linking the country to the Gulf of Guinea, acknowledging the “relentless efforts” of the Border Patrol Unit in countering criminal activities.

He urged the commanders to embrace technology such as drones, biometric scanners, surveillance systems and real-time data analysis, stressing that “the Nigeria Police Force cannot tackle 21st-century crimes with 20th-century tools.”

The police chief also emphasized intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and community trust as critical to effective border management. He assured officers that their welfare remains a priority under his leadership.

While charging the commanders to remain proactive in detecting and preventing crimes along the borders, Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s “relentless commitment to securing the nation, safeguarding its people, and defending its sovereignty.”