Insecurity: Force headquarters orders constables to carry arms

November 7, 2024

The Nigeria Police Force High Command in Abuja has announced that all constables will henceforth carry arms to combat insecurity.

The Police High Command made this known through the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7 Abuja and Niger State Command, Mr Benneth C. Igweh, during his official visit to the Niger State Police Command on Thursday in Minna, the state capital. He highlighted that everyone now has the authority to make arrests.

According to him, “Community Policing is everyone’s business. We have granted all police constables the power to carry arms henceforth.”

“We have given them two weeks to receive training by the SPU, CTU, or Mobile Base, and this will enable them to carry out their duties effectively,” he added.

The AIG Zone 7 Command Headquarters in Abuja further explained that “with the rate of crime in our various communities, everyone now has the right to make arrests. If you see something, say something, and the Police, along with the community, will act.”

Mr. Igweh also mentioned that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has assured the recruitment of no fewer than 10,000 constables into the police force, with additional slots for the Niger and Abuja Police Commands.

The Commissioner of Police for Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, noted in his welcome address that the AIG’s visit represents a practical initiative to strengthen community policing.

He added that “crime rates are relatively lower now compared to previous trends, due to the crime prevention strategies put in place since my assumption of office in September last year.”

However, he highlighted that insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and farmer-herder clashes remain challenges in the Munya, Mariga, Rafi, Shiroro, and parts of Kontagora LGAs, given their proximity to Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States.

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