Arase: Why Nigerian Police Cannot Protect All Citizens

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has said that the current numerical strength of the Nigerian Police is far too inadequate to provide security to all Nigerians.

He said the size of the Nigerian police currently put at 305,000 policemen and women is not enough to guarantee the security of all segments of Nigeria.

The IG stated this while delivering a public lecture on the topic: ‘Police and Public Partnership in Prevention and Control of Violent Crime and Conflicts in Nigeria’ at the Multipurpose Hall of University of Jos yesterday.

He said, “The organizational structure of the force consists of the Force Headquarters, 12 zonal commands, and 37 State commands including the Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria Police Force’s staff strength by 31st December 2015 was 305,000. This is inclusive of 1,331 Cadets currently on training at the Police Academy, Kano as well as specialist branches and civilian supportive staff.

 “Female officers in the Force constituted 30,854 (9.47%), while there are 127 area commands; 1,130 police divisions; 1,579 police stations, 2,165 police posts, and 1,591 village police posts (NPF Annual Report 2013: 137).

Arase added that, “The work of the police in any society is a very difficult, complex and dangerous vocation. The expectations of members of the public in Nigeria are many and varied and exceed the resources and support given to the police. Failures on the part of the police are easily observed and widely reported and condemned while achievements of the police are rarely recognized, applauded and rewarded.

 “Police are in constant contact with dangerous persons and in dangerous situations. In spite of the inherent hostile policing environment and sundry challenges, the Nigeria Police has remained steadfast to its responsibility of guaranteeing the safety of the lives and property of the citizens even at the risk of their own lives.

“Between January 2014 and December, 2015 a total of 278 police officers paid the supreme sacrifice in the discharge of their statutory mandate in relation to enhancement of community peace and security, while 194 others sustained varying degree of injuries. Similarly, between January and April 2016, we have lost a total of 72 Police personnel with 78 others injured in the line of internal security duties. Cases of killing of police personnel have increased since 2009 due to terrorist attacks by Boko Haram.”