The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Monday, cautioned that Nigeria as a nation was not ripe for the establishment of State-controlled Police to complement the Services of the Nigeria Police Force as currently being agitated in some quarters.
The IGP, who spoke in Abuja at the ongoing national dialogue on state police titled: ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’, organised by the House of Representatives, declared that “the country is yet to mature and be ready for the establishment of state-controlled police”
According to him, “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.”
He pointed out that the problem that should be addressed “should be what are challenges militating against the effective policing in Nigeria.“
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According to him, “some of these are challenges: “there are no adequate preparations in place for State Police such as police colleges, training schools, barracks, police stations clinics, vehicles, communication equipment and a host of others”
The IGP also expressed fear over the possible abuse of state Police by the Political class and conflict of interest.
According to him, “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.
The IGP, therefore, recommended various options that could be approached instead of the immediate establishment of State Police, including the merger of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
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.