Police to recruit 20,000 Policemen

 

The Chairman, Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase has disclosed that plans are under way by the Nigerian Police to recruit 20,000 policemen.

Speaking while inaugurating the board at the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja on Monday, Retired IGP Arase said the task ahead should be seen as a collective one, critical to the sustenance of our national security, hence, “Every member is implored to eschew any form of pre-conceptions, misconceptions, prejudices and ill-feelings against each other and should work together with mutual respect and understanding in achieving our goals as institutions of Government.

He tasked the Police Recruitment Board that will oversee the recruitment of the balance of 20,000 policemen for the country, to work in cooperation and understanding by elevating “our national interest over and above our personal interests”, in achieving the set mandate.

 

He called on members of the society not to foist unemployable, unscrupulous and suspected criminal characters with baggage of socio-academic irresponsibility, and sociological amorality on the Police pointing out that “Regrettably, it is the society that bears the brunt of foisting a bad egg in the society on the police, as it is only magical to expect a rogue personality or one with tainted character to become a good police officer simply by getting recruited into the police”.

 

Members of the board are Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Chairman, representing PSC; DIG Bala Ciroma, DIG in charge training, Force headquarters, Dr. Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Perm Sec, PSC, Mr. Muhammed Magaji, Ministry of Police Affairs, Prof. Joseph Adeniyi Olowofela, FCC, CP Hassan Yabanet, Police Colleges, Yusuf Sanusi, Recruitment Department, Sani Usman Hada, ICT Unit, DCP Olabode Akinbanlowo, NPF, Secretary, DSP Ahanmisi, Office of Chairman, PSC, Barr. Victoria Onyekwuluife, Legal department and a rep of Police Trust Fund yet to be nominated.

 

Arase told the board, “It is needless reminding us that recruitment in the life of every organization is key to the attainment of organizational goals, and in our efforts at repositioning the NPF, we must strive for perfection at this level by ensuring that only applicants who are passionate in joining the NPF, and qualified in all ramifications (physically, medically and educationally) and without any record of previous conviction or bad character are considered and recommended for recruitment.

 

“The journey to responsive, responsible, efficient and accountable Police and policing in Nigeria starts with the recruitment: and the time is now.

 

“Furthermore, the society at large is also beseeched to assist the Board in the recruitment process through unfeigned, dispassionate, altruistic and patriotic inputs in the recruitment process.

 

“This can be achieved by ensuring that candidates who have hitherto and consciously through their actions and conduct while on different rung as of the ladder of life made themselves unemployable by choosing unscrupulous and criminal pathways with an oversize baggage of socio-academic irresponsibility, and sociological amorality are not foisted on the Police.

 

“The communities are, therefore charged to assist the Board by giving them credible information on persons with suspicious criminal tendencies trying to get recruited into the NPF. Let us jointly strive to rebirth a police force of our dream that will be able, efficient and effective in ensuring adequacy of internal security in Nigeria.