By DEBORAH AKPEDE

No fewer than 1,030 new police constables graduated from the Police College Ikeja on Thursday, in which 313 are females.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the 1,030 graduands are part of the 10,000 constables passing out simultaneously from four police colleges and 12 training colleges across the country.

The police constables had undergone six months of highly challenging, rigorous, physical, and intellectual training activities.

Speaking at the passing out parade, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, urged the new officers to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service.

Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, said that the passing-out parade signified a pivotal transition for these individuals.

He said that they were formally assuming their roles as professional police officers, leaving their civilian status behind and embarking on a career of service and duty.

According to him, the graduating constables must note that the responsibility of policing requires the highest level of professionalism and integrity, adhering strictly to the rule of law and established procedures.

“Your role demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, particularly the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions.

“Strive to be perceived as a friend and partner to the public, inspiring hope and confidence in the security apparatus.

“The uniform you wear and the office you hold are symbols of trust and responsibility, never to be exploited for intimidation, harassment, or perversion of justice,” he said.

Egbetokun urged them to desist from all form of lawlessness, human rights abuse, and unprofessional conduct, and utilise their authority to protect citizens, enforce laws, and apprehend criminals.

“Throughout your career, demonstrate boldness, responsibility, discipline and loyalty to the Force, while remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity,” he said.

The IGP said that a significant number of the newly graduated Police Constables had been posted to their states of origin.

He said that the strategic deployment aimed to augment ongoing law enforcement efforts and reinforce the fight against crime at the grassroots level.

Egbetokun appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the annual recruitment of 30,000 Police Constables, to strengthen internal security, enhance police performance, and promote optimal police service delivery nationwide.

He also commended the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam and the Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG. Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), for their unwavering support during the recruitment exercise, which had been instrumental in shaping the future of the Force.

The Commandant of Police College, Ikeja, Commissioner of Police, Omolara Oloruntola, admonished the graduands to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Police.

“You should eschew corruption and uphold uprightness and imbibe the concept of community policing, as it is the best global practice.

“You should bear in mind the principle of fundamental human rights, as entrenched in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Oloruntola said.

According to her, the officers have demonstrated unwavering commitments of serving the country, and the police are proud to have them in the team.

Also speaking, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, urged the new officers to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that policing was a demanding and sometimes dangerous profession.

He urged them to take care of themselves, support each other and speak up when needed.

“Remember that a healthy and well supported officer is a more effective officer,” the governor said.

He admonished the officers to uphold the law, protect life and property, and serve the populace with integrity, courage and compassion.

“Uphold the ethnical standards, demonstrate professionalism in all your actions and treat every citizen with respect and fairness, regardless of their background.

“As you embark on this noble career, remember that you are an ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force and representatives of the state,” Sanwo-Olu said.

NAN reports that the passing out parade included march past, parade review by the I-G’s representative and giving of awards to some of the graduating personnel for performing excellently well in the training.(NAN)

•PHOTO: L-R: The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olarenwaju Ishola, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, at the passing out parade at the Police College Ikeja on Thursday.