The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has suggested that the country is not ripe for the creation of State Police.
Addressing Attendees at the one day dialogue on state policing attended by former head of state, Abdulsalam Abubakar and Former President Good Luck Jonathan and the leadership of the National Assembly, Egbetokun represented by AIG Ben Okolo warned that the establishment of state Police will exacerbate ethnic tension, leading to divided loyalty in the States.
While warning of the likelihood of the Governors to abuse the privilege of state police, the Police Chief argued that challenges that make the current policing system ineffective should be addressed.
He highlighted some of the challenges to include 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.
He also called for ‘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.
Minister of Police Reiterates Concerns Around Human Rights Abuses.
In his address, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam admitted that the creation of State Police was crucial to ensuring safety in local levels.
He however expressed concerns over its 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.
