The age-long adage, “you get what you pay for”, in the context of Nigeria’s security apparatus speaks volume. The country’s security forces, particularly the Police, are in a sorry state, and it is undebatable given the paltry sums they are paid. Pluck off the feathers of a hen, starve it and control it by tossing corn-seeds to the direction you want it to go, has been the game of Nigerian leaders against security personnel.
Most of the Police personnel in Nigeria earn meager salaries that barely cover their living expenses. This has led to a situation where many security personnel are forced to supplement their income through corrupt practices at the detriment of the ordinary citizens, undermining the integrity of the entire security system. A system that lacks the necessary ingredients to function in the right direction has forced many with good minds to embrace the wrong attitude in order to survive a man-made storm in the river of corruption.
But poor pay is only part of the problem. The Nigerian government’s penchant for recruiting uneducated individuals into the security forces is another major issue. This approach may be cheaper in the short term, but it ultimately leads to a lack of professionalism and expertise within the security apparatus.
In contrast, developed countries prioritize education, stable mental state and expertise when recruiting security personnel. Police officers in these countries are typically well-educated, well-trained and well-paid, enabling them to effectively respond to complex security challenges. This approach not only enhances public safety but also boosts morale and professionalism within the security forces.
So, why do Nigerian politicians seem determined to weaken the Police system? The answer lies in their desire for control and manipulation. A weak and under-resourced Police force is easier to manipulate and control, allowing politicians to maintain their grip on power. This approach of keep them starved and deprived in order to secure their loyalty with the tossing of few seeds of corn has disastrous consequences for public safety and national security. A weak Police force is unable to effectively respond to security challenges, leaving citizens vulnerable to crime and violence.
It is time for Nigerians to wake up and obligate their leaders to rethink their approach to security. Investing in education and training for security personnel, as well as providing them with decent pay and benefits, is essential for building a robust and effective security apparatus, for you cannot successfully fight crimes with the deprived. Anything less is a recipe for disaster in the sole interest of the power players, whose appetites for public wealth cannot be satisfied.
The type of security we get is determined by the value of the amount of resources we will invest in it. There is no other way about it, garbage in, garbage out. If Nigeria wants a world-class security system, it must be willing to invest in its security personnel, for the security personnel need the best from the system to bring out their best for the good of all. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders to keep us safe.
– Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.