Merger Of FRSC, NSCDC Into NPF Better Than State Police- IGP

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has suggested merging the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, into a department within the Nigeria Police Force, rather than establishing a State Police system.

He made this proposal during the National Dialogue on State Policing, jointly organized by the House of Representatives and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja.

Represented by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Ben Okolo, the IGP emphasized the need to increase the annual police recruitment by at least 30,000 to meet international standards and called for higher budgetary allocations to enhance training and equipment for the police force.

The IGP, while maintaining that the country is not ripe for establishment of State police expressed concerns that granting governors control over state police could lead to misuse for personal or political gains, potentially exacerbating ethnic tensions and compromising security and human rights.

He highlighted various challenges facing the police force, including inadequate manpower, equipment, training, and infrastructure.

Similarly, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, who acknowledged the importance of local security but cautioned against potential political interference and human rights abuses with the establishment of state police stressed the need for oversight and accountability mechanisms to mitigate such risks.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to develop policies and strategies for enhancing national security infrastructure, including the consideration of state police.

He called for constructive dialogue and open-mindedness to address diverse perspectives and chart a collective path forward.

The dialogue is aimed at facilitating discussions on crucial security issues and explore viable solutions to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji