By Milcah Tanimu
Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has highlighted the critical need to bolster Nigeria’s police force, citing its inadequacy in proportion to the country’s population. With over 200 million citizens, Shekarau noted that Nigeria has fewer than a million policemen, a deficit that urgently requires addressing through annual recruitment drives of about 50,000 officers.
Speaking on Channels TV Politics Today, Shekarau emphasized the necessity for sustained recruitment efforts, particularly considering that approximately 5,000 policemen leave the service each year due to various reasons such as retirement or death. Despite former President Muhammadu Buhari’s pledge to recruit 10,000 officers annually, Shekarau underscored the importance of recognizing the net loss incurred due to retirements and other factors.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Shekarau stressed that the current police force of 350,000 personnel is insufficient to effectively police the entire Nigerian territory. He identified multiple areas that require improvement, including equipping, funding, training, and welfare provisions for law enforcement officers.
In addressing the country’s security challenges, Shekarau advocated for a comprehensive approach that integrates community policing alongside traditional institutions. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in intelligence gathering and surveillance, emphasizing that insurgents often reside within local communities.
Shekarau cited the success of community policing initiatives in Kano State, attributing it to collaboration with traditional institutions. He urged the government to prioritize coordination between law enforcement agencies, local communities, and traditional leaders to effectively combat insecurity nationwide.