NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

Civil disputes: I-G warns against misuse of police authorities

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Authorities

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly, matters of land ownership.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Egbetokun said police officers had no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there was an underlying criminal element involved.

According to him, even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the Commissioners of Police in charge of the state, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.

The I-G also raised concerns over the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases, and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals.

Egbetokun said the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force, would no longer be tolerated.

He said transparency, professionalism and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.

“In line with this, all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, should handle cases with diligence and integrity.

“Any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” he said.

He said the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.

Egbetokun  said such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved and waste resources.

“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he added.

Egbetokun condemned the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation and vowed to address the issue.

According to him, moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

He said the petition must clearly state that the complaint had not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency.

The police boss said that if it had, it must have been withdrawn before involving the police.

“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” he said.

Egbetokun urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the I-G’s office.

He said except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.

The I-G cautioned the public against framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joseph Edeh

Judiciary

Order I-G to withdraw police from private citizens- plaintiff

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By Taiye Agbaje

A 79-year-old woman, Colleen Yesufu, has prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to order the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police officers attached to private citizens.

 

Yesufu, who told the court in a suit filed by her lawyer, Maxwell Opara, also prayed for an order of perpetual injunction on the I-G from reassigning any member of the Police as VIP escorts to private individual, including Mrs Bilikisu Aliyu.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yesufu, a businesswoman, had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/26/2025, sued the President, I-G and Mrs Aliyu (A.K.A. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac) as 1st to 3rd respondents.

 

She also listed the National Police Council and NPF as 4th to 5th respondents respectively.

 

Yesufu, in the originating summons filed on Jan. 9 by Opara, wants the court to determine the status of President Bola Tinubu’s executive directive made on Nov. 13, 2023.

The directive was for the I-G to immediately withdraw policemen from VIPs who are not statutorily entitled to police escort.

 

“Whether having regards to the provisions of Section 4 of the Police Act, the duties of the 5 defendant (NPF) ought to be to the general public of the state rather than a selected few.

 

“Whether or not it will be lawful for the 2nd defendant (I-G) to immediately withdraw the police VIP escorts attached to the 3rd defendant (Aliyu).”

 

The applicant, who sought five reliefs, urged the court to make a declaration that Tinubu’s executive directive is valid and subsisting.

 

She sought a declaration that it will be lawful for the 2nd defendant to immediately withdraw the police VIP escorts attached to the 3rd defendant (Aliyu).

 

“An order directing the 2nd defendant to immediately withdraw all VIP Police escorts attached to the 3rd defendant and others, other than those statutorily entitled to them in Nigeria.

 

“An order of perpetual injunction on the 2nd defendant from reassigning any member of the 5th defendant as VIP escorts to the 3rd defendant or any other private individual in Nigeria.”

 

Yesufu, in an affidavit she deposed to, averred that on Nov. 13, 2023, Tinubu ordered the I-G to immediately withdraw all personnel of the NPF designated as VIPs escorts from all citizens other than those statutorily entitled to them.

 

She said the NPF issued a press statement published in the media confirming the president’s executive directive and their compliance forthwith.

 

The plaintiff, however, alleged that in spite of  the executive directive, the I-G had failed, refused and/or neglected to comply with the directive.

 

She said that Aliyu, who is a private citizen like her, has been using the police personnel purportedly attached to her as VIP escort by the I-G to intimidate, harass and threaten her.

 

She further alleged that Aliyu had been using the officers attached to her to evade lawful invitations from other law enforcement agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 

“The 3rd defendant currently has a pending case of fraud pending at the EFCC and has been evading service of invitation and arrest by the commission using the police VIP escort and directing them as personal employees,” she averred.

 

Yesufu said the I-G, in spite of so many demands, petitions and complaints by her, had reluctantly refused to comply with the standing directive of the president, thereby allowing individuals to privately utilise the NPF.

 

The case was yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of filing the report.(NAN)(www.namnews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force
Defence/Security

Police raise alarm over rising missing persons cases in Ogun

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By Abiodun Lawal

The Police Command in Ogun has raised concerns over a significant increase in reports of missing persons in the state.

 

CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta.

 

She explained that the command had noticed an unprecedented rise in the number of missing persons across all age groups.

 

Odutola noted that only a small fraction of the individuals had been found, with many regrettably not returning home.

 

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and more security-conscious while prioritising their safety.

 

She added that, as a proactive and community-oriented force, the command was committed to raising public awareness about this concerning trend.

 

“We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by maintaining a heightened sense of security to avoid becoming a victim.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has outlined essential measures and guidelines to keep residents informed about the most pressing issues.

 

“Based on insights from individuals who were rescued, the Commissioner advises parents not to allow their children to use commercial transportation services with strangers.

 

“Additionally, he encourages restless youth to activate the digital communication and sharing features on their mobile devices, especially when traveling or in moments of distress,” Odutola said.

 

Odutola further emphasised that the public could contact the police control room at 09164859299 and the Police Public Relations Department at 09159578888 for assistance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

2024 challenges spurred us to greater heights- Police 

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By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, said the Nigeria Police Force made remarkable achievements in 2024 in spite of challenges.

 

Egbetokun said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of his end of year conference with strategic police managers, consisting of officers from the rank of commissioners of police and above.

 

“Reflecting on 2024, it is clear that both the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large faced a range of security challenges, but we also achieved notable successes.

 

“We dealt with a variety of internal threats, such as banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as external threats posed by groups like ISWAP and the Lakurawa terrorists in the North West.

 

“The country also confronted other critical issues, including cultism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism financing, money laundering, and cybercrimes, especially among our youth.

 

“Protests and civil unrest added to the challenges,” he said.

 

The I-G said in spite of the difficulties, the Nigeria Police Force had shown remarkable resilience, collaborating with sister agencies to ensure law and order.

 

According to him, throughout 2024, we made substantial strides in enhancing the safety and security of Nigerians.

 

He said the force displayed remarkable dedication in combating criminal activities across urban and rural areas.

 

“Through revitalised crime prevention efforts, we have made significant progress in reducing crime, ensuring public safety and improving service delivery.

 

“These accomplishments reflect our firm commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

 

“Our efforts have been comprehensive, leveraging modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing,” he said

 

Egbetokun said that the strategies had not only increased the operational efficiency of the force, but fostered stronger collaborations with local communities as well as building trust between the police and the public.

 

“While we acknowledge the complexity of the challenges, the Nigeria Police had remained steadfast in its resolve to continue to address the challenges head-on to secure the future of the country.

 

“Despite our best efforts to foster trust and confidence with the public and our strong emphasis on discipline and professionalism, a small number of our officers have unfortunately continued to engage in behavior that damages our reputation.

 

“This has been a significant challenge for us in 2024 and to make matters worse, we have also faced false publications aimed at tarnishing our organisation’s image.

 

“This not only undermines our credibility but also erodes the trust we have worked hard to build with the community,” he said.

 

He said the force would be committed to addressing the challenges head-on, exploring innovative solutions to promote transparency, accountability and excellence.

 

Egbetokun said the force had achieved major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for a range of serious offenses, including kidnapping, cultism, murder, rape, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

 

According to him, we also recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, 1,438 stolen vehicles and rescued 1,581 kidnapped victims.

 

“In the fight against kidnapping, we intensified our efforts and achieved substantial success. A prime example is the rescue of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals on June 30 in Ogun.

 

“Despite being ambushed by gunfire, the victims were safely rescued, and two kidnappers were neutralised in a subsequent raid.

 

“We also recovered five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication equipment. This operation demonstrates our capacity to combat kidnapping and criminal enterprises effectively,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

Police’ll partner PCRC to fight cybercrimes, others in Kaduna–CP

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By Mohammad Tijjani

The Kaduna State Police Command says it will leverage the emergence of a new executives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to combat the growing menace of cybercrimes in the state.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), AIG Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna at the inauguration of a 26-member new executives of PCRC in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new executive is headed by an elder statesman, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, including a Deputy Editor-in-Chief (DEIC) of the agency, Alhaji Abdul Hassan as Deputy Secretary.

NAN also reports that the oaths of office were administered on the new executives by a retired Assistant Editor-in-Chief (AEIC) of NAN, Alhaji Tanko Dada, National Vice Chairman, North-Central.

According to Ibrahim, the command will also actively partner with the committee to fight a myriad of crimes and all forms of criminality across the state.

Represented by the Officer-in-Charge of Community Policing, CSP Titus Ibrahim, the CP decried that vibrant youths were involving themselves in cybercrimes and other forms of criminality.

“We will therefore team up with the new PCRC executives in the state to reverse the ugly trend so as to channel the huge potential of the youths to positive use,” Abdullahi said.

The CP further commended the committee for being an active partner of the Nigeria Police Force, saying that the members have been part of the success story of the command.

Abdullahi also underscored their role in gathering credible intelligence and the execution of many developmental projects.

The National President of PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, also expressed delight that the committee in the state was more united and poised to take it to greater heights.

According to Olaniyan, the committee will also partner the various transport unions in the state to stem the tide of the movement of illicit drugs and illegal firearms,.among other crimes.

He said that PCRC was strongly committed to assisting the Police and other security agencies to guarantee the security of lives and property of Nigerians.

Olaniyan, who vowed that the peace in the Kaduna PCRC would be permanent, however warned against insolence, indiscipline, impersonation and insubordination by any member.

He charged the members to be absolutely committed, loyal and dedicated, so as to take PCRC to greater heights.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Mansur Hassan, promised to work round the clock with the committee to further improve policing.

He also corroborated the CP on the need to ensure the productive use of the energies of the youths for national development.

In his acceptance speech, the new PCRC Chairman promised to be diligent and patriotic in the discharge of the all-important national assignment.

He commended the members and national leadership of the committee for reposing tremendous confidence in him and his colleagues.

Mohammed said, “We will piously uphold this utmost trust and confidence reposed in us and we will never fail you.

“We will do our best to take PCRC to greater heights and bolster the security of lives and property of the people of the state and by extension, Nigerians.

“The new PCRC team will also work round the clock to assist the Police in all their activities as this is a clarion call for more dedication and uprightness.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Economy/Business

PenCom urges police to remain with CPS

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By Nana Musa

Ms Omolola Oloworaran, Acting Director-General of National Pension Commission (PenCom), has urged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to remain with the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

 

Oloworaran said this during a public hearing on a bill for an Act to establish Police Pension Board, in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

Oloworaran, represented by the Commissioner of Administration, Dr Farouk Aminu, also reiterated PenCom’s commitment to Police welfare.

 

She said that pension must be affordable, sustainable and adequate.

 

“PenCom has consistently proposed practical solutions, including increasing pension contribution rates, offering additional retirement benefits, and implementing periodic pension reviews under the existing CPS framework.

 

“These measures are designed to enhance the financial well-being of retired police personnel without compromising fiscal discipline or administrative efficiency.

 

“Notably, the establishment of an Augmentation Fund and the enhancement of the Retiree Resettlement Scheme demonstrate PenCom’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of the police.

 

“The welfare of Nigeria Police personnel is paramount, the proposed bill is a step in the wrong direction.

 

“The CPS offers a balanced approach to achieving pension adequacy, affordability, and sustainability,” Oloworaran said.

 

She said that implementing PenCom’s recommendations was a more viable path to meeting the needs of police personnel while safeguarding the broader national interest.

 

Oloworaran said that the senate should prioritise those solutions and uphold the principles of Nigeria’s pension reform.

 

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, said that the bill was to establish a board to oversee Police pension.

 

Fasuyi said that the committee intended to create an enabling environment for retired police officers.

 

Fasuyi said that the public hearing provides more information and an opportunity to various stakeholders.

 

Sen. Sen. Binos Yaroe, who sponsored the bill, said that retired Commissioners of Police take N70,000 while Assistant Superintendents of Police collect about N40, 000 to N50, 000 as pension.

 

He said that Military, Department of State Service (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had pulled out of CPS.

 

He, however, said that the NPF, which is the lead security agency in section 214 of the cconstitution, is left under CPS regulated by PenCom.

 

This, according to him, places retired police officers on wrong post-service employment in spite of their crucial role.

 

He said that the matter was not just about the police exiting, but improving their salaries.

 

“Even if they exit, with a poor salary, their pension will still be poor.

 

“Towards the end of the ninth assembly, the bill was passed but not signed because we started the process late. That’s why we started the process again early March 19 and July 4.”

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the NPF wanted the police pension board established for improved welfare for retired police officers.

 

Egbetokun was represented by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, Bala Chiroma.

 

The National Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), Mr Sylva Nwaiwu, said that CPS should be amended.

 

Nwaiwu said that CPS was good for the nation, adding that pension increments should always be encouraged.

 

Alhaji Sani Mustapha, the Executive Director of the Contributory Pension and Happy Retirement Advocacy (COPEHRA), said that CPS had proven to be resilient, transparent and sustainable,

 

He added that it was also effectively addressing the shortcomings of the previous pension system.

 

He said that keeping the NPF within the CPS aligns with best practices in pension management, ensuring their financial security while also supporting Nigeria’s broader economic development.

 

Mustapha said that the transition to a Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) would introduce significant risks, including fiscal unsustainability, delayed payments and potential economic setbacks.

 

He said that it was imperative to uphold the principles of equity, transparency and sustainability by maintaining the NPF’s inclusion in the CPS.

 

“My recommendation is to maintain the current system to safeguard the future of our police personnel and promote a robust economic environment in Nigeria.

 

“Any challenge that the Police may have in the administration of their pensions under the CPS should be discussed and resolved by PenCom and other relevant Government agencies,” Mustapha said.

 

The director said that there were many benefits in retaining police in the CPS.

 

He listed the benefits to include regulation and oversight, security and timeliness, economic independence, transparency and accountability, and alignment with global trends.

 

“The risks of establishing a separate pension board for DBS includes fiscal burden, lack of autonomy, economic instability and precedent setting,” Mustapha said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Economy/Business

Police exit from contributory pension huge risk- PenOp

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By Nana Musa

The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), has expressed concerns over proposals from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

 

Mr Oguche Agudah, the Chief Executive Officer of PenOp, voiced the concern on Tuesday in Abuja during a public hearing on a bill for an act to establish a police pension board.

 

He said that the CPS operates on a pre-funded model with both employees and employers contributing a mandatory percentage of the employee’s salary.

 

Agudah said that usually, a minimum of eight per cent from the employee and 10 per cent from the employer, totaling a minimum contribution rate of 18 per cent, is usually gathered.

 

He said that either party had the latitude to contribute a higher percentage, which allows pension funds to accumulate and be invested for future payouts.

 

Agudah said that the National Pension Commission (PenCom), as of September, had a total pension assets, under the CPS, that had exceeded ₦20 trillion (approximately $12 billion),

 

He said that PenCom had ensured that the funds were not solely reliant on government budgets, thus reducing vulnerability to fiscal constraints.

 

Agudah said that the transitioning to the DBS would not solve the police’s concerns.

 

“It will, rather, create deeper financial and operational challenges for the country,” he said.

 

He said that the CPS had proven to be a transparent, sustainable and resilient system for managing pensions, benefiting both retirees and the broader economy.

 

Agudah said that reverting to the DBS model, which relies on government budgetary allocations, would lead to fiscal unsustainability and delayed payments for pensioners.

 

“Moving the police out of the CPS will require a staggering N3.5 trillion annually to fund pensions for approximately 400,000 personnel, in a budget already burdened by deficits. This is simply unsustainable.

 

“It will also divert resources from other critical needs, including minimum wage adjustments and public services,” he said.

 

Agudah said that pension funds under the CPS are currently invested in bonds, infrastructure and other critical sectors that contribute to the country economic growth.

 

He said that unwinding the investments to accommodate a DBS for the police would erode the value of assets and destabilise the financial system.

 

Agudah said that the CPS currently holds over N21 trillion in assets, and remains a critical component of the country’s economic infrastructure.

 

He said that maintaining the police within the CPS would ensure long-term sustainability, equity and economic stability.

 

Agudah said that setting a dangerous precedent was not good.

 

“If the police exit the CPS, other public sector groups may demand similar transitions, fragmenting the pension system and undermining reform efforts.

 

“And our key aim and our key goal is to ensure that all pensioners are paid on time, all pensioners have a living pension, and everybody gets their pension on time.

 

“What we heard at the hearing is actually a joy to us because what we are seeing is that even the sponsor of the bill is on the path that it is not really the CPS that is the problem of the police. It is the welfare.

 

“So, what we have said is, if your salary is small, your pensions will be small,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Defence/Security

Stay away from Bayelsa or pay dearly – Police warn economic saboteurs

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By Nathan Nwakamma

The Police Command in Bayelsa has warned blue economy saboteurs to avoid the state, saying it would use every legal means to protect Nigeria’s economic interest.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Francis Alonyenu, said this in Yenagoa during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Alonyenu said that being a major player in Nigeria’s blue economy, the command was poised to ensure peace and order.

He said that with its rich maritime, petroleum and gas economic value, the Nigeria Police Force would ensure that these assets are properly harnessed for the good of the people of the state and Nigeria in general.

The commissioner said the command had reduced crime rate to the barest minimum through surveillance drones, to ensure effective policing of the state and its maritime environment.

This, he said, had given individuals and corporate entities the liberty to go about their normal businesses unmolested.

He said the success recorded by the command could be partly attributed to crime mapping which enabled it to understand, for instance, the motivation behind attacks on pipelines and how to address the challenge.

The Commissioner said having contained the activities of economic saboteurs on Bayelsa’s waters, the command was carrying out clearance in the area and assured its determination to maintain the status quo.

NAN recalls that Bayelsa is one of the leading oil-producing states in the country with a sophisticated network of pipelines both on the sea and land.

In the recent past, these facilities that are at the heart of the nation’s economy have come under attack by economic saboteurs to break the pipelines or divert the crude oil.

Nigeria loses an estimated 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day to oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of criminality.

The menace has culminated in revenue losses estimated at N1.29 trillion annually, said Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He spoke at the inauguration of the New Headquarters, Naval Training Command Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers. (NAN) (www.nannews)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Defence/Security

Police, Centre  collaborate to tackle juvenile crimes nationwide

320 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

The Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with an NGO, Centre for Family Peace, have concluded plans to tackle  the increasing rate of crimes among juveniles in the country.

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Olukayode Egbetokun  said this at the inauguration of the Steering Committee on the Implementation and Execution of the Annual I-G Conference on Juvenile Crime Prevention and Control Project , on Friday in Abuja.H

He said the theme for the maiden edition of the conference is ‘Effective Family Relationship Strategies for Juvenile Crime Prevention and Control.’

Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Mr Mohammed Dankwara commended the centre for the initiative.

The I-G said the Nigeria Police was aware of the devastating effect of crimes and offences, perpetrated by young people, teenagers, juveniles or adolescents on communities across the country.

Egbetokun  acknowledged the urgent need for a comprehensive approach, as well as concerted efforts and commitments to address the root causes of behavioural problems among young people.

According to him, it was on this note that the Nigeria Police approved the partnership with the centre  to join forces in tackling the ugly trend among young people.

“There is a consensus among family and child development experts that the cause of juvenile offences is the family. Hence, the solution to the problem can be found in the family too.

`This official inauguration of the conference signals the commencement of the implementation of this novel project, aimed at preventing juvenile crime and promoting positive development of young people in Nigeria.

“To deliver this conference project, there will be need for collaboration with the different extra-familial institutions like government at all levels and their agencies, the church, the school and the media,” he said.

He urged members of the steering committee to take the assignment very seriously to deliver positive outcomes that would arrest the ugly trend of juvenile crime.

In his remark, Mr Chinedum Ikogwe,  Executive Director and Founder of the NGO, said the project was borne out of the need to address the challenges of crime and criminality among juveniles.

He said the project was designed to be taken to all the states of the federation, where the governors are  expected to host it in their various states.

Ikogwe blamed the ugly trend among juveniles on failure of parents to live up to their responsibilities by engaging in the pursuit of material things and abandoning the home.

According to him, juvenile crime is a family based problem that requires family based solution because it has to do with character deficiency of children.

He said the choice of the Nigeria Police for the partnership followed the fact that the police is the foremost law enforcement agency in the country.

Ikogwe  commended the I-G for the speedy approval of the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=======

Edited by Joseph Edeh

General News

Police partner international NGO on 2020 Act

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Department of Training and Development has forged partnership with International Alert, a Non-Governmental Organisation supporting peacebuilding to promote understanding and operationalisation of the Police Act 2020.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, the Country Director of International Alert, made this known during a courtesy visit to AIG Sadiq Abubakar, the Commandant, Police Academy in Wudil in Kano.

Nyulaku-Bemshima, who described the visit to the academy as “strategic”, explained that it was part of the UK-funded integrated security project known as the “Nigeria Reform Initiative”.

“We have been having strategic engagements with the police and this is particularly to understand if learning and training is centred around the Police Act 2020 and Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

“We are here to see areas we can provide technical support toward making teaching and learning in this institution one that will actually be impactful on the future police officers.

“This is a full-blown university and we know that you are doing a lot in terms of training, but we want to know the areas we can support toward bettering our policing system in the country as contained in the police Act 2020.

“The Act stipulates the functions of the police, its mandate, as well as the duties of the public toward having a more responsible police in the country,” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima further said that the spate and dynamics of security challenges in the country required a well equipped police personnel to confront emerging security threats.

“You will agree with me that insecurity in Nigeria is becoming sophisticated and the type of officers you will produce should be those that are well equipped to handle the threats.

“We have a group of seasoned experts in police and security studies; they have knowledge that they can share with this institution toward ensuring deeper understanding of the police Act,” he said.

The country director maintained that the would-be police officers must understand their roles as contained in the Act, stressing that such would make them better security personnel after their studies.

Responding, the commandant of the academy, thanked the country director and his team for the visit, particularly for offering to support the NPF toward having a better policing system in the country.

He said that the academy was open to all forms of partnership aimed at equipping the cadets with the requisite knowledge and skills that would make them better officers in the nearest future.

“This is a degree awarding institution positioned to develop the cadets mentally, physically and morally to contribute their quota toward tackling security challenges in the country.

“This academy is responsible for nurturing and developing these young minds toward becoming responsible police officer to handle the internal security situation in the country.

“So, we are open to meaningful partnerships that will improve the knowledge and understanding of future police officers,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Polycarp Auta

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