The Nigeria Police Force has graduated ten thousand recruit constables from various training institutions across the country.

The passing out parade ceremony, was held at four different police colleges and twelve training schools in the country.

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

According to correspondent, a total of one thousand and thirty new police constables graduated from the Police College Ikeja on Thursday, in which three hundred and thirteen are females.

The passing out parade included march past, parade review by the Inspector-General of Police’s representative and giving of awards to some of the graduating personnel for performing excellently well in the training.

The ceremony, according to Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Force to enhance its personnel strength and capacity, ensuring the delivery of effective policing services to the Nigerian populace.

Egbetokun who is the review Officer spoke through Assistant Inspector General of Police zone two AIG Adegoke Fayoade urged the new officers to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, saying the passing-out parade signified a pivotal transition for these individuals.

He said 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.

In his words, their role demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, particularly the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions.

He urged them to strive to be perceived as a friend and partner to the public, inspiring hope and confidence in the security apparatus, saying the uniform they wear and the office they hold are symbols of trust and responsibility, never to be exploited for intimidation, harassment, or perversion of justice.

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.

According to him, throughout their career, demonstrate boldness, responsibility, discipline and loyalty to the Force, while remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity.

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

He said 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, retired DIG. Hashimu Argungu, for their unwavering support during the recruitment exercise, which had been instrumental in shaping the future of the Force.

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

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said policing was a demanding and sometimes dangerous profession.

He urged them to take care of themselves, support each other and speak up when needed, saying they must remember that a healthy and well supported officer is a more effective officer.

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

He said they should uphold the ethnical standards, demonstrate professionalism in all their actions and treat every citizen with respect and fairness, regardless of their background.

The governor said as they embark on the noble career, they should remember that they are an ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force and representatives of the state.

Also, Chairman, Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hamisu Argungu said that career progression would be predictable within the requirements of established rules and regulations.

Argungu who spoke through an officer of the commission, E, Ajayi Daniels, said the federal government had initiated viable programmes to provide logistics and enhance manpower development in the force.

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

According to Oloruntola, they should eschew corruption and uphold uprightness and imbibe the concept of community policing, as it is the best global practice.

In her words, they should bear in mind the principle of fundamental human rights, as entrenched in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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