By Hassan Zaggi
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has called for the establishment of specialized units in the Nigeria Police Force that can address each type of crime in order to tackle the diverse range of criminal activities in the country.
He made the call when the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, visited him to present his briefing in Abuja, on Thursday.
He noted that the establishment of the specialized units will require what he described as comprehensive training and capacity building programmes for men and officers of the Force.
The Minister, however, reiterated the importance of technology in the policing of the country, noting that: “Investing in technology for surveillance and crime prevention will greatly enhance our capabilities in maintaining law and order.
“Proper allocation of personnel and resources is crucial for the efficient functioning of the police force.
“We must ensure that each department has the necessary manpower and equipment to carry out their duties effectively.
“Establishing local advisory boards for oversight and engaging citizens in policing strategies and decision making will further strengthen the bond between the police and the communities they serve.”
Sen. Gaidam, however, emphasized the relevance of response time to distress calls in resolving security challenge in the country.
“It is imperative that we collectively address the issue of response time to distress calls by Nigerians. This can be achieved through the effective use of technology, inter-agency collaboration, the building of mutual trust, and proper management of information.
“By working together, we can enhance national security and create a safer environment for all.”
Speaking on response capabilities of men and officers of the Force, the Minister said: “To enhance our response capabilities, we need to establish a standby force of at least three units of the Police Mobile Force in each state command. This will ensure a rapid and effective response to unforeseen incidents.
“As a government, we are committed to addressing the issues facing the Nigerian Police. We will provide adequate funding for police operations, procure equipment that meets our specific needs, and prioritize the welfare of our officers and men.”
On the use of intelligence, he said: “Effective intelligence gathering mechanisms are critical for proactive crime prevention.
“We must establish robust systems to gather and analyze intelligence, enabling us to stay one step ahead of criminals. Strengthening cooperation between the police and the judiciary is also essential to ensure the smooth administration of justice.
“Furthermore, we must establish mechanisms for monitoring police conduct to maintain high standards of professionalism and ethics through the use of body worn camera and dashboard camera in operation vehicles.
“This will ensure that the rights and dignity of every citizen are respected at all times.
“We will not tolerate indiscipline within the police force, and discipline must be observed by all officers, regardless of rank or cadre.”
He further emphasized the relevance of respecting human rights, fostering a human-friendly approach in police operations.
“Training and human capacity development are pivotal for the growth of our police force.
“By training the trainers and organizing workshops for senior officers, we can improve the operational capacity of the Nigerian Police,” the Police Affairs Minister further said.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized that the visit highlights the undeniable need for collaborative efforts for improved security architecture in the nation.
He reiterated the importance of creating an enabling environment for officers and urged all stakeholders to support the ongoing reform efforts of the current administration.
