Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has put forward a suggestion to the federal government regarding the optimization of security agencies in Nigeria.
Speaking at a national dialogue on state policing organized by the House of Representatives in Abuja, Egbetokun proposed merging the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) with the police to enhance efficiency.
Represented by Assistant Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Ben Okoro, Egbetokun highlighted that the NSCDC and the FRSC essentially duplicate the functions of the police force. He expressed the view that Nigeria currently lacks the maturity for the establishment of state police. Instead of advocating for state police, he recommended consolidating the NSCDC and the FRSC within the police force to bolster effectiveness.
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Egbetokun argued against the establishment of state police, suggesting that it could potentially be exploited by state governors to suppress opposition and lead to jurisdictional conflicts. He contended that state police might not effectively combat serious security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry due to resource constraints.
Additionally, Egbetokun pointed out the challenges faced by the police force, including inadequate training, manpower shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure such as dilapidated police barracks. He stressed the importance of improving personnel training and securing adequate funding to modernize policing and maintain internal security.
Echoing Egbetokun’s sentiments, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive security framework to address the escalating security threats in Nigeria. He underscored the importance of collaboration and a collective commitment to developing policies and strategies to bolster the nation’s security infrastructure. Musa emphasized the need for an inclusive and responsive security framework that protects the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.
