The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has proposed an alternative approach to bolstering national security amidst growing calls for the establishment of state police forces.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on State Policing in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun suggested merging the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) into a department within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Represented by AIG Ben Okolo, IGP Egbetokun emphasized the need for increased police recruitment and budgetary allocations to enhance the force’s capacity to meet modern security challenges. He highlighted the challenges facing the police, including inadequate manpower, operational equipment, training facilities, and infrastructure.
“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.
“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.”