MICHAEL AKINOLA
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has bemoaned the lack of adequate manpower and equipment by the Force, which criminals elements are aware of and exploit in committing crimes across Nigeria.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the IGP stated this on the floor of the House of Representatives while participating in the sectoral debate on Tuesday. He said despite the lack of motivation and operational facilities, Nigerians will not accept any excuse for failure but expect adequate performance from them.
The Police Boss stated that he inherited a Police Force that was virtually abandoned and which had suffered neglect over the years with ill-motivated personnel. He emphasized that the Police personnel were operating in very difficult environments as a result of the neglect they had suffered over the years, especially in the area of inadequate manpower and operational facilities.
Egbetokun stated that the Police have almost 6000 Divisional Police Headquarters across the country with each requiring a minimum of four operational vehicles, adding that while some have operational vehicles, many of such stations cannot boast of a single operational vehicle.
He noted that while the United Nations’ recommendation is for one Policeman to about 40 persons, the Nigerian Police can only boast of 1000 people to one Policeman, which is grossly inadequate, adding that the criminals in the country were aware of the handiicap of the Police Force.
The IGP stated the Police had made several arrests, while some of those arrested are being prosecuted, but was quick to add that arrest alone cannot end acts of criminalities.
“Unfortunately, the citizens are not interested in any excuse for lack of performance by the Police. They want us to perform and protect them and we are ready to do that. But we need your support.”
“We need a well-motivated, well-educated, trained, and inspired workforce. In spite of the challenges we have, we are doing our best. But, there is no adequate funding because no agency can perform above available resources.”
“No amount of arrest will stop criminalities. You arrest 100 today, and by tomorrow, 200 are emerging. What we need is inter-agency collaboration” the IGP stated.