IGP Opposes State Police, Advocates Merger Of NSCDC, FRSC With NPF
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has opposed State Police and instead, proposed the merger of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as a department under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
This declaration came during the National Dialogue on State Policing organized by the House of Representatives in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) held in Abuja on Monday.
Representing the IGP at the event, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ben Okolo, reiterated the need to increase the annual police recruitment by at least 30,000 personnel to meet the United Nations (UN) ratio.
The IGP cautioned against the immediate establishment of State Police, expressing concerns that governors might exploit such a structure for political or personal gain, potentially undermining human rights and security. He warned that this move could escalate ethnic tensions in the country.
“Most police stations and barracks that were built over the years in the colonial period have not undergone any renovations despite the increase in the strength of the Force. These have impacted negatively on the performance of the personnel.
His words: “The police leadership is recommending the following instead of creating state police; merging the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Corps as a Department under the Nigeria Police
“Yearly police recruitment should be increased by at least 30,000 to meet the United Nations requirements. Increase in the budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Police Force. Effective training of personnel in modern policing to enhance efficiency.”
He emphasized the necessity for enhanced budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Police Force to facilitate effective training of personnel in modern policing methods, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Egbetokun highlighted several challenges facing the police force, including inadequate manpower, operational equipment, arms, ammunition, surveillance tools, and training facilities due to insufficient funding. He also pointed out the dilapidated state of police stations and barracks, underscoring the negative impact on personnel performance.
Also speaking at the dialogue, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, acknowledged the importance of local security through State Police but cautioned against potential political interference and human rights violations. Geidam stressed the need for robust oversight and accountability measures to mitigate such risks.
“Establishment of state police is not without its demerits; one of them is political interference. Oversight and accountability are paramount and must be put in place to ensure the interference is reduced. An implementation roadmap is essential for successful operation,” Geidam noted.
On a collaborative note, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, represented by Maj-Gen. Adekunle Ariyibi, emphasized the necessity of shared commitment and dialogue to develop policies and strategies enhancing the nation’s security infrastructure.
He encouraged constructive discussions and diverse perspectives to inform a comprehensive and responsive security framework, including the establishment of State Police.
“It is through collaboration and a shared commitment to the common good that we can develop policies and strategies that will enhance the security infrastructure of our dear nation.
“This dialogue presents an opportunity for us to engage in constructive and open discussions, to share perspectives, and to collectively chart a path forward. It is through collaboration and understanding that we can develop policies and strategies that will enhance the security infrastructure of our nation,” Musa said.
The national dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in fruitful discussions, explore different viewpoints, and collectively chart a path forward in enhancing Nigeria’s security landscape.