by Isiaka Habeeb
It is reassuring the statement attributed to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris Kpotum after assumption of office that the Nigeria Police Force would be guided by the international core values of policing with integrity and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in actions and activities of the policemen and women.
The police boss also said that the Force would encourage and reward sacrifice among its men and also respect diversity, courage, and professionalism.
The role of Nigeria Police in providing adequate security to life and property can never be underestimated or overemphasized. The risky efforts and commitments of the men of the security agency should be acknowledged and applauded.
Even though Police is said to be our friend, the critics would rather give the Nigeria Police Force a bad name in order to hang it. Nevertheless, in the face of criticism of the force, the leadership of the Nigeria Police has looked inward towards reforming the service.
Over the years different programmes and activities have been undertaken towards achieving reformation. Some of the programmes are geared at creating and sustaining good image of the Nigeria Police while delivering its core mandate of policing.
An interesting milestone in the force is the establishment of the Nigeria Police Academy, a degree awarding institution that has regular courses. The academy located in Wudil in Kano State churns out graduate cadets who enter the force with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). With its five years programme, four years are dedicated to academic activities while police general training takes one year. The programme attracts young, agile, vibrant, brilliant Nigerians into the academy by molding them into discipline officers with positive mentality and orientations.
The Police Force has also created a unique platform known as the Complaint Response Unit to help bring the police closer to the people. The platform is an online portal where citizens can lodge complaints for prompt actions by the security agency. The system works in such a way that responses and feedback are guaranteed.
It is gratifying to note the commitment of the current administration towards boosting the police force by its ongoing process of employing about ten thousand recruits and officers to enhance service delivery and improve security nationwide. The recent retirement of 21 AIGs would definitely create vacancies for promotion of senior officers and bring fresh ideas and innovations from the new leadership of the police force. This is in line with the change agenda of President Muhammdu Buhari and vision of the Inspector General of Police Idris Kpotum for better service delivery.
The path towards reformation is rough and tough; the current leadership of the Nigerian police has taken right initiatives towards enhancing the image of the force through hardwork, commitment and professionalism. The Nigerians should therefore support and encourage them.
Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija
Isiaka Habeeb wrote in from Wudil, Kano
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