Thursday September 24, 2026

SituationREPORT

The Chief Operating Officer of Lenders Consult, Mr. Nelson Olafisoye, has described the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) as a highly successful initiative that combined professional development, technological advancement, and officer welfare to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force ahead of future security challenges.

Speaking on the outcome of the four-day conference in Owerri, Imo State, Olafisoye said the event was a massive undertaking that brought together more than 180 senior police officers, journalists, aides, resource persons, and other stakeholders from across the country.

According to him, coordinating transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other logistics for participants over four days posed significant challenges, but the organizers remained focused on the primary objective of delivering quality knowledge, training, and resources to improve policing in Nigeria.

“It is a massive project. Bringing together over 180 senior police officers, journalists, aides and resource persons in one city for four days comes with enormous logistical demands. There are always challenges in planning events of this magnitude, but the most important thing for us is the quality of the lectures, the quality of the teaching, and the value of the resources that participants take away from the event,” he said.

Olafisoye noted that while branding, accommodation, and other logistics were important, they were secondary to the conference’s core mission of equipping officers with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance policing effectiveness.

He revealed that this year’s conference placed a strong emphasis on technology, reflecting the need for the Nigeria Police Force to adapt to emerging security threats and modern policing methods.

“Our focus over the years has been on repositioning the Force through technology. That is why some of the key lectures this year centred on technology and innovation. We want to provide the quality of knowledge and technological exposure that can make our police better prepared for present and future challenges,” he stated.

Beyond technology, Olafisoye said the conference also addressed the human side of policing, including emotional intelligence, leadership development, and retirement planning for senior officers.

He disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, specifically requested a session on emotional intelligence, recognizing the importance of helping officers manage the pressures associated with modern policing.

“We must appeal to the human nature of these officers. The session on emotional intelligence was very impactful. We also examined retirement planning because many officers are so consumed by the demands of their duties that they rarely have time to think about life after service,” he explained.

According to him, the conference was designed as a holistic package aimed not only at improving officers professionally and tactically but also enhancing their personal well-being and interpersonal relationships.

“It is not just about making them professionally better or tactically stronger. It is also about making them better individuals and helping them manage their lives more effectively. That is exactly what we have achieved through this conference,” he added.

Olafisoye further commended the efforts of the conference organizing team, particularly its leadership, for working tirelessly to secure partnerships and ensure the success of the programme.

He also praised the unwavering support of the Inspector-General of Police, noting that many of the conference’s achievements would not have been possible without his commitment.

“The IGP has been extremely supportive of this project. His commitment has been instrumental to its success. He also encouraged us to involve retired police officers, and the wealth of experience they brought to the conference clearly demonstrated the value of that decision,” he said.

Reaffirming Lenders Consult’s commitment to supporting police reforms and capacity development, Olafisoye stressed that improving the Nigeria Police Force ultimately contributes to a safer society.

(SwiftReporters)