Why police need more manpower- IGP Egbetokun

By Mosunmola Ayobami,Ilorin.

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the need to double the manpower strength of the Police Force in the country.

Addressing officers of the Kwara State Police command in Ilorin, during a one-day visit on Friday, Egbetokun said that one police man does job of two policemen.

Egbetokun said increase in manpower would be gradual, adding that President Bola Tinubu has recently given approval for yearly recruitment in police.

“We’re paying attention to manpower. I know there’s shortage of manpower in the command. I know the stress that I had gone through while as CP in making sure that the job is done. I know one police man does job of two policemen.

“A police man would close from night duty and resume for morning duty. And as he’s closing from morning duty, he’s resuming night duty. And when he dozes off in public, his photography is taken and posted and make ridicule of him. I’m aware of all these.

“We’re making efforts to increase your strength. President had recently given approval for yearly recruitment in police. That’s the way forward. We need to double the strength of police in the country. We cannot do it overnight, but gradually. And gradually we’ll get there. We’ll also emphasise training to achieve professionally competent police force. We’re also looking into welfare in the increase in salary and other areas to improve lives of officers, just as equipping Police Force is a priority. We promise to take care of the insurance plan too”.

The IGP said that he had interesting time while in Kwara state as the Commissioner of Police, adding “I’m so excited to be with you seeing your smiling faces. I’m aware of your sacrifices to make Kwara peaceful. I’m aware of your exploits, arrest, convictions, breakthrough, and recovery of arms you are making”.

During a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, the IGP described his visit as homecoming, while he appreciated the monarch for his support and assistance when he served in the state.

Earlier, the Kwara Ccommissioner of police, Victor Olaiya, requested the supply of an Amoured Pesonnel Carrier (APC) from the IGP to further enhance security of banks and improve crime fighting capacity.

The CP said that the number of policemen and women policing the state has dropped below the accepted United Nations policing ratio of one policeman to 400 citizens.

“Thankfully, the IGP has assured of the recruitment of more hands, and we hope and wish it continues.

“Kwara State is a gateway State between the Northern and Southern parts of the country; this alone has exposed the state to both negative and positive opportunities with her position, hence the need to continually be on our toes.

“The state is surrounded by both local and international borders, making policing challenging. This brings me to the issue of synergy with sister agencies. I am proud to report, sir that the foundation of collaboration while you served as the Commissioner of Police Kwara State Command has taken a firm root, which has contributed to the successes achieved in the area of crime fighting in the State”, said Olaiya.