The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has a complex and evolving history, characterized by both achievements and significant challenges. Established with colonial origins, the NPF has played a crucial role in law enforcement and maintaining peace and order in Nigeria. However, the force has faced issues such as police brutality, extrajudicial killings, corruption, and a lack of public trust and confidence. These issues have frequently led to public outcry and protests, including the notable #ENDSARS movement in 2020.
In recent years, there have been several reform efforts aimed at improving the effectiveness, professionalism, and accountability of the NPF. These efforts include the Police Act of 2020, community policing initiatives, training and professional development programs, anti-corruption measures, and improvements in welfare and working conditions for police officers. Strategic partnerships have also been sought to enhance operational capabilities.
The structure of the NPF includes a three-tier administrative framework consisting of departments, zonal, and state commands. The Inspector General of Police, appointed by the president, heads the force. The NPF has undergone several reorganizations to address various internal and external challenges, including tensions with the military and the need to adapt to changing societal and technological landscapes.
While efforts towards reform and improvement are ongoing, sustained commitment is required to overcome the challenges and transform the NPF into a more efficient, accountable, and trusted institution. This transformation is essential for ensuring the safety and security of the Nigerian people.
The almost total degeneration of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) can be attributed to a range of systemic issues, including poor funding, widespread corruption, and a lack of professionalism. These challenges have severely undermined the rule of law and public trust in Nigeria.
Poor funding is a significant issue impacting the NPF. This financial constraint leaves officers without essential resources and equipment, leading to challenges in effective law enforcement. Officers often lack basic supplies and resources needed for investigations, and in some cases, have to personally cover operational expenses, which can contribute to corrupt practices as a means of financial survival.
Corruption within the NPF is deeply entrenched and manifests in various forms, including bribery, extortion, and embezzlement of public funds. A system of “returns” is enforced by some senior police officers, where rank-and-file officers are compelled to pay a share of money extorted from the public up the chain of command. This system institutionalizes corruption and creates a disincentive for senior officers to hold subordinates accountable for extortion and other abuses. Moreover, high-profile corruption cases within the police hierarchy, such as the case of ACP Abba Kyari, have revealed the extent of corruption within the police force.
As of this month January 2024, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) was in the process of screening a substantial number of applicants for constable positions. Specifically, 416,270 applicants were being considered, with 315,065 for general duty and 101,205 for specialist roles. The screening was set to take place across various states, with notable numbers of successful applicants from states like Kaduna, Adamawa, and Benue. This screening represents a significant recruitment effort to bolster the NPF’s numbers
Regarding the use of police officers as escorts for VIPs, there has been a longstanding issue with a considerable portion of the police force being deployed in this capacity. This practice has often been criticized for detracting from the police’s ability to serve the broader public. In 2018, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission acknowledged the problem, noting that a substantial number of police officers were in private hands, which was not ideal. The government has made efforts to address this by ordering the withdrawal of police aides from unauthorized VIPs to refocus on general security challenges. However, this has been hampered by funding challenges. There’s also a concern about the treatment of police officers on private duty and the potential misuse of these officers by their VIP employers.
This information highlights the current state of the Nigerian Police Force in terms of personnel numbers and the challenges related to the allocation of officers for VIP protection.
The lack of professionalism in the NPF is also a critical issue. This lack of professionalism is often attributed to inadequate training, poor remuneration, and a culture that does not prioritize ethical behavior and integrity. These factors contribute to a police force that is often seen as ineffective and untrustworthy by the public.
Efforts have been made to combat these issues, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Additionally, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has been introduced to oversee recruitment, promotions, and discipline within the NPF. Training programs focusing on ethics and anti-corruption measures have been implemented to improve the professionalism of the police officers.
Despite these initiatives, challenges persist. The deeply rooted culture of corruption, lack of adequate resources for anti-corruption efforts, and inadequate internal mechanisms for monitoring corrupt practices continue to hinder progress. A sustained and comprehensive approach, including improving police welfare, enhancing training, and ensuring accountability, is required to effectively address these issues and restore public trust in the Nigerian Police Force.
The living conditions and remuneration of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) personnel have been a subject of concern. The living conditions, particularly in the barracks, are often described as deplorable, prompting calls for government action. There have been motions for the assessment and public offering of federally owned barracks, with a focus on improving housing allowances for serving officers. This reflects the urgent need for reforms in the living conditions of police personnel in Nigeria
Regarding remuneration, the salaries of the Nigerian police are considerably low, especially when compared to their counterparts in other countries. For instance, an assistant superintendent of police in Nigeria earns a little above N80,000 after deductions, which is seen as inadequate given the demands and risks of the job. This low pay has been linked to low morale among officers and is seen as a contributing factor to corruption within the police force. To illustrate, a sergeant with over 25 years of service earns a gross annual salary of around N577,234, which translates to less than N48,000 per month after deductions. Officers living in barracks are also required to pay additional fees for accommodation, further reducing their take-home pay.
In comparison to their international peers, Nigerian police officers’ pay is significantly lower. For example, the average salary for a police officer in Canada can exceed $100,000 a year, while in the United States, the median average salary for police and sheriff patrol officers is around $60,000, varying by state. In contrast, an average Nigerian police constable earns between N108,233 and N613,363 annually, which is viewed more as a ‘survival stipend’ than a competitive salary
The Nigerian authorities, including the police and other security agencies, have been implementing various measures to combat these security challenges. The establishment of specialized units like the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the FCT is one such effort. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often questioned by the public, especially when such incidents continue to occur.
These factors combined have led to calls for a comprehensive reform of the NPF, including increased funding, improved living conditions, and better salaries to enhance the efficiency, morale, and overall performance of the police force in Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, particularly Abuja, has seen a significant rise in kidnapping and banditry incidents. These crimes have sparked widespread fear among residents, leading to changes in their daily routines and limiting their movements out of concern for safety. Notable incidents include that of a friend of mine who almost lost his son, who is a young budding architect, to bandits. They raided his son’s estate in Kubwa, robbed, and attacked him with a machete, nearly killing him. Thankfully, he survived the ordeal.
There is also the kidnapping of a man and his six daughters in the Bwari area of FCT, with one of the daughters tragically killed despite the payment of a ransom. Additionally, 30 people were abducted along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, highlighting the severity of the situation. This escalation in crime has been attributed to a lack of adequate security and the deterioration of security in other states, leading to increased migration to the FCT. Residents have expressed frustration with the government’s response, feeling that more needs to be done to address these security issues.
In response to the growing threat, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, launched the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the FCT. This squad, comprising specially trained officers, is tasked with patrolling and securing border towns within the territory to mitigate violent attacks. The SIS is part of a larger deployment plan, which includes training for squad commanders in Mexico and a focus on community policing. Despite these efforts, the challenges of kidnapping and banditry remain significant, with calls for more effective strategies and interventions from the government to ensure the safety of residents in the FCT
To effectively reorganize the Nigerian Police Force and address its current challenges, several key solutions can be implemented:
- Enhanced Funding and Resource Allocation: Increase the budgetary allocation to the police force. This would allow for better equipment, facilities, and resources, improving their operational capacity.
- Robust Training and Professional Development: Implement comprehensive and ongoing training programs for police officers. These should focus on modern policing techniques, human rights, ethics, and community policing. Improved training will enhance professionalism and ethical conduct among officers.
- Improved Welfare and Remuneration: Enhancing the welfare and remuneration of police officers can reduce their vulnerability to corruption. This includes providing adequate salaries, healthcare, housing, and retirement benefits.
- Strengthening Internal Accountability Mechanisms: Establish strong internal mechanisms to monitor, investigate, and discipline officers involved in corrupt practices. This will cultivate a culture of accountability within the force.
- Community Policing Initiatives: Foster closer ties between the police and the communities they serve. This involves engaging with community members, building trust, and involving them in decision-making processes related to policing.
- Transparent Recruitment and Promotion Processes: Ensure that recruitment and promotions within the police force are based on merit and devoid of nepotism or favoritism. This will help in bringing competent and ethical individuals into the force.
- Technological Advancements and Use of Data: Incorporate technology and data analytics in police operations for better crime tracking, reporting, and solving. This includes the use of digital forensics and integrated databases.
- Inter-Agency Collaboration: Enhance collaboration between the police and other law enforcement agencies, both domestically and internationally, to effectively tackle organized crime, terrorism, and transnational threats.
- Legislative Reforms: Implement legal reforms to update and strengthen laws governing the police force, ensuring they align with international standards and best practices.
- Public Awareness and Engagement: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights and the role of the police, encouraging public participation in policing and reporting of misconduct.
- Independent Oversight Bodies: Establish or strengthen independent bodies to oversee the police force, such as civilian review boards, to ensure external accountability.
- Decentralization of the Police Force: Consider decentralizing the police force to allow for more zonal policing, which can be more responsive to the specific needs and challenges of different communities.
By implementing these solutions, the Nigerian Police Force can be reorganized into a more efficient, accountable, and community-focused entity. However, it requires a concerted effort from the government, the police force itself, and the community at large.
By Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
“Duruebube Ihiagwa ofo asato”
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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