State Police Not Necessary In Nigeria — IGP
THE Nigerian government was not ready for the creation of a state-controlled police force to supplement the services of the Nigeria Police Force, as some sections of the country are currently upset about. This was said by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Monday.
“The nation is yet to mature and be ready for the establishment of state-controlled police,” the Inspector General of Police (IGP) said in remarks made in Abuja during the House of Representatives' continuing national conversation on state police, ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria.'
In his opinion, “There has been clamour for the establishment of state- controlled police to complement the activities of the Nigeria police force. Several arguments have been made for the establishment of state police.
“Some argued that the Nigeria police force is not living up to expectations in providing the necessary security for the citizenry. others are of the view that police presence is not felt in many parts of the country, especially the areas requiring security such as schools, communities
“Some contend that even in the cities, police presence is mostly felt in areas by the rich. Others still argue that police performance is generally minimal hence there is insecurity in the country.
“These and many other reasons have propelled proponents of state police.”
It should be addressed, he noted, “should be what are challenges militating against the effective policing in Nigeria.”
He states that some of these are obstacles, such the lack of proper facilities for the State Police, including police colleges, training schools, barracks, police stations, clinics, cars, communication equipment, and a variety of other things.
The IGP also voiced concern about potential conflicts of interest and political class mistreatment of the state police.
In his opinion, “Then there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership, state governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security.
“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction. The dynamism and some situations on the ground are bound by the capabilities of states to handle.”
As a result, the IGP suggested a number of alternatives that can be pursued in place of the State Police's immediate formation, such as the union of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
According to him, “In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force leadership rather is recommending the following instead of creating state police, first the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety should be merged to form a department under the Nigerian police;
° The yearly recruitment of police personnel into the force should be increased by at least 30, 000 every year to meet the United Nations minimum standard of policing of 450 citizens to one policeman
° To secure adequate operational equipment, improve training of modern personnel in modern policing to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
° To amend the constitution in that provision of section 214 of the 1999 constitution as amended relating to the establishment of the Nigerian Police Force to include a new section that reads this, "The Federation shall subject to the Act of the National Assembly.....fund, equip and maintain the Nigerian Police Force and effective for the purpose the internal security, being the lead agency in internal security.
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