The chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Mike Okiro, on Monday in Osogbo said the present numerical strength of the Nigerian Police is grossly inadequate to tackle criminality in the country.
He said in order to boost the manpower of the Police, 10,000 cadets would be recruited this year bearing in mind the need to strengthen the Force with a view to perform its statutory responsibility of providing effective security for lives and properties.
Okiro made these disclosures in Osogbo during the recruitment exercise at the Osun State Police command.
ALSO READ: Alleged rape: Fatoyinbo’s accusers should not be judgmental ― Abiara
According to him, “it’s a common knowledge that the Police strength in this country is grossly inadequate to properly police Nigeria. So, we have been making the case to the government in the last two or three years, they have been giving us approvals. Fortunately, this time, we are recruiting 10,000 all over the country.”
Okiro continued, “you can imagine if the 10,000 comes in, it would affect the strength of the Police positively. We are going to make a strong case to the government that the recruitment of new people into the Police should be once in three or four years. Every month, we are losing officers through accident, death and statutory retirement.”
“It is necessary that recruitment continues. It is when it continues that we can have good strength to work it. This is very important”, he remarked.
Commenting on the welfare of the Police, he said “we have been worrying government on the welfare of the Police. I did the same thing when I was the IG.
I believe that when you are able to motivate your staff, they would work well. Our officers are reasonably comfortable, basic things they have.
The Police cooperative is there. Welfare is one of our priorities. We have Police Microfinance, which has been helping serving and retired officers.”
and then