The inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the police authorities to protecting lives and property and enforcing law without fear or favour.

Mr Egbetokun made the assertion at the passing-out of 189 recruit constables belonging to the 2022/2023 set, who graduated from the Police Training School, Eleyele, Ibadan.

He said that the successful completion of the recruitment and training underscored the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to police and properly secure the country.

Mr Egbetokun, who was represented by the assistant inspector general of police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11, Fred Ekokotu, urged the graduates to serve with empathy, fairness and dedication.

The I-G urged the new recruits to be professional, respect human rights, and shun corruption, extortion and abuse of power, adding that the uniform they were donning symbolised trust and must never be used for intimidation.

Also, Suleiman Ishola, the commandant of the Police Training School, Eleyele, Ibadan, admonished the new constables to defend the nation’s integrity, uphold law and order and serve with honour, courage and loyalty.

Mr Ishola said that the 2022/2023 set of recruit constables, comprised of 159 males and 50 females, took part in six months of rigorous physical and intellectual training and character development.

Mr Ishola said that graduates were also lectured on basic professional police duties, liberal and legal studies, operational combat of crime, arms drills, unarmed combat, foot drills, rules of law and fundamental human rights.

He said that the new constables have been transformed into well-disciplined, dependable, formidable and highly committed members of the Nigeria Police Force, ready to uphold the law and serve the nation.

He commended the instructors and training staff for their tireless and dedicated efforts in moulding them into professionals worthy of the trust of the nation.

“I charge you all to remain steadfast and never give up,” the commandant said.

Mr Ishola commended Mr Egbetokun, Oyo State commissioner of police and chairman of the Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argungu, for the support given during the training.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the robust relationship between the police and people in the state.

He urged the new constables to be ready to contribute to the peace of the state.

Mr Ladoja, represented by the chairman of the Ibadan Compound Chief Initiative, Nurudeen Akinade, advised the police not to hesitate to inform community leaders of their challenges within their jurisdiction.

Also present at the event were dignitaries, including representatives of heads of other security agencies in the state and families of the graduates, while the event also witnessed awards presentations to the best graduates in various fields.

(NAN)