By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has advised the Federal Government to merge the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) with the police for effectiveness.
The Police Chief gave the advice in Abuja on Monday, 22nd April, 2024 at the National Dialogue on State Policing, organised by the House of Representatives with the theme: “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria”.
The IG, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Mr Ben Okoro, posited that the NSCDC and the FRSC were a duplication of the police.
He also said that Nigeria was not ripe enough for state police, adding that state police would create avenues for state governors to suppress the opposition in their states.
He further said that the state police would not be able to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, because they required enormous resources to combat. Furthermore, creating state police would also lead to the problem of jurisdiction, which would bring about conflicts of interest. He, therefore urged those calling for state police to work toward merging the NCDSC and the FRSC with the police for effectiveness.
IGP Egbetokun said the police were battling with inadequate training as well as lack of adequate manpower, adding that most police barracks had dilapidated due to lack of maintenance and renovation.
“These has had a negative impact on the performance of the policemen,” he said, and called for the training of personnel to be improved, to enable modern policing, adding that funding was necessary to also help maintain internal security.
The Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said that there was a need for comprehensive and effective security framework to tackle rising security challenge in the country.
Musa, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Kunle Ariyibi, said that the security and safety of the country was paramount.
“It is imperative that we come together to find sustainable solutions.
“It is through collaboration and a shared commitment to the common good that we can develop policies and strategies that will enhance the security infrastructure of our dear nation,” he said, adding that it is imperative to create a security framework that would be inclusive, responsive, and capable of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.
