The Police Service Commission (PSC) has addressed the recruitment of individuals described as ‘repentant thugs’ for the role of Police Constables in Kano State.
This response follows the circulation of viral videos showcasing the inclusion of these individuals in the constabulary, a move that sparked criticism from some Nigerians.
In an official statement, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani clarified that these “repentant criminals” were engaged as part of the police constabulary due to their acknowledgment that a life of crime does not pay.
Ani stressed that the Special Constabulary personnel are distinct from regular police officers and are not officially recognized as such by the Commission and the government. However, he pointed out that Constabulary operations are indeed sanctioned by the Police Act and hold significant value in the ongoing effort to combat criminal activities nationwide.
“The Commission wishes to state categorically that the Special Constabulary are not Policemen and not recognised as such by the Commission and Government,” he said.
“The Commission however notes that the Constabulary operations are covered and recognised by the Police Act and are readily useful and needed now that the nation is fighting to end the siege of criminals across the country.”
The Commission emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the Kano State Police Command, underlining that the Constabulary’s purpose is to bolster law enforcement efforts and contribute to a safer Kano State.
Ani elaborated on the role of these newly recruited individuals, explaining that they are primarily stationed in their localities, where their familiarity with the community aids in identifying and addressing criminal elements. Many of these individuals, formerly employed as political thugs, have chosen to abandon criminal activities, recognizing that a life of crime ultimately does not lead to positive outcomes.
The PSC has ensured that these Special Constabulary personnel have undergone adequate training and are operating in accordance with the law under the strict supervision of the State Police Command. Their engagement is aimed at fostering sustainable peace, supporting economic growth, and advancing the development of the state.
“Some of the repentant influential youths previously used in the past as political thugs and abandoned have realised that crime does not pay and have voluntarily offered themselves to assist fight for a crime-free state,” he explained.
“The Commission is also aware that the Kano Special Constabulary has received adequate training and are working in their Local Government areas as required by law but under strict supervision of the State Police Command.”
Dr. Solomon Arase, Chairman of the PSC and a retired Inspector General of Police, stressed that security is not solely the responsibility of the government but a collective duty shared by every Nigerian.
He advocated for a citizen-based approach to security in Nigeria, highlighting the need for community involvement in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the nation.