The Inspector of General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has said that instead of creating a State Police structure, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should be merged as a Department under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Egbetokun stated this in his remarks at the National Dialogue on State Policing organised by the House of Representatives in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) held in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Ben Okolo, the Police boss also said that the yearly police recruitment should be increased by at least 30,000 to meet the United Nations (UN) ratio.
He also called for increased budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Police for effective training of personnel in modern policing to enhance efficiency and amendment of the 1999 Constitution for more empowerment and funding of police which is the lead internal security agency.
Egbetokun noted that if State Police is established, governors will use the structure under their control for political or personal gains undermining human rights and security, adding that
creating state police at the moment will exacerbate ethnic tension in the country.
The Inspector General Police said the agitations for state police were informed by the perception that Police were not leaving up to its responsibility, a development caused by a motley of challenges militating against the Force.
He identified some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment; arms and ammunition, surveillance equipment, inadequate training due to poor funding as well as inadequate office and barracks accommodations.
“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.
“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 of 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 stated.
Similarly, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, observed that while State Police was essential local security, it has the potential for political interference and human rights abuse.
He said: “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.”
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said
it was through collaboration and a shared commitment to the common good that the country can develop policies and strategies that will enhance its security infrastructure.
Represented by Maj-Gen. Adekunle Ariyibi, the Defence Chief said the need for a comprehensive and responsive security framework that includes the establishment of state police was undeniable.
“I encourage all of us to approach these deliberations with an open mind, to engage in constructive dialogue, and to consider the diverse perspectives that will be shared.
“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,” the CDS added.
