By Ebere Agozie
A security expert, Dr Ibrahim Ajia, has called on the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to bring in reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Ajia who is also the Dan Amanan, Fune Emirate of Yobe, made the call in a statement by his Director of Communications, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, in Abuja on Monday.
He advised the IG to prioritise the welfare and concerns of officers and men, particularly the rank and file who carry out the bulk of policing duties across the country.
He stressed that listening to their yearnings and cries would significantly improve their morale and operational effectiveness.
“I will want him to address structural imbalances within the force, particularly the growing disparity between senior officers and the rank-and-file personnel who are responsible for frontline policing.
“The police system must return to a proper pyramidal structure that allows for balanced growth, professionalism and efficiency.’’
The security expert further called for the recruitment of more rank-and-file officers to strengthen community-level policing.
He noted that the current structure has too many officers in higher ranks while the operational base remains understaffed.
He advised the new police chief to ensure that recruitment becomes a real and transparent exercise rather than routine announcements.
On welfare, Ajia urged the police leadership to work towards the realignment of police salaries with those of other internal security agencies.
He recalled that approval had been granted during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan but requires only full implementation.
He added that with the establishment of the Trust Fund, funding for policing in Nigeria should no longer be a major challenge if properly managed.
“The new IG should work closely with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to ensure that projects and interventions are based strictly on the operational needs assessment of the force.
“The National Assembly should also strengthen the legal framework guiding the Trust Fund so that it functions purely as a professional support institution rather than a political structure.’’
Speaking on insecurity, he expressed confidence that insurgency, kidnapping and banditry will end the police rise fully to the responsibility of internal security.
“A special force counter-terrorism unit should be established within the police since the force already possesses a model that can be strengthened into an effective national response unit for violent crimes.’’
He urged Disu to deploy his experience, networks and training to confront criminality decisively.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for Disu’s appointment describing it as well deserved and timely for Nigeria’s security challenges.
Ajia concluded that Nigerians are optimistic about the future of policing under Disu’s leadership.
He expressed confidence that with courage, strategic reforms and commitment to officers’ welfare, the new I-G will leave a lasting legacy in the nation’s security system. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
