By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Police Service Commission has addressed concerns regarding the operations of the Special Constabulary in Kano state, particularly regarding the recruitment of a repentant criminal into the organization.
The Commission in a statement issued on Thursday by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, explained that the Special Constabulary are not recognized as police officers by the Commission and the government. However, their operations are covered and recognized by the Police Act, and they play a crucial role in the ongoing fight against criminals across the country.
The Commission is in close contact with the Kano State Police Command and acknowledges that the Constabulary’s purpose is to support the police in establishing a crime-free Kano State. The men and women recruited as Special Constabulary are assigned to work in their localities, where they are better positioned to identify and apprehend criminals causing havoc in those areas.
“It is worth noting that some of the repentant influential youths, who were previously used as political thugs and subsequently abandoned, have recognized that crime does not pay and have voluntarily offered their assistance in creating a crime-free state”.
The Commission is also aware that the Kano Special Constabulary has undergone adequate training and is working within their respective Local Government areas, under the strict supervision of the State Police Command. Their engagement aims to enhance visibility and promote sustainable peace, economic growth, and development in the state.
Dr. Solomon Arase, Chairman of the Commission and former Inspector General of Police, emphasizes the Commission’s commitment to partnering with the police to ensure improved security for lives and property across the country.
He emphasizes that security is not solely the responsibility of the government but also every Nigerian, and calls for a citizen-based approach to security in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Dr. Arase discloses that the Commission, in consultation with the Inspector General of Police, will take measures to clearly differentiate the uniforms of the Constabularies from those of the Nigeria Police Force. This is to prevent cases of identity crisis and to define the specific roles of the Special Constabulary within the nation’s security architecture.