No recruitment slots for persons with disabilities, IGP tells PSC

Following a rift between the Police Service Commission and the police management, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has said that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) currently does not have positions available for People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs).

Egbetokun made the disclosure during a conference with Strategic Police Managers in Abuja on Thursday.

The police boss also hinted that under his watch, 2,308 cases of murder was recorded with 856 cases of armed robbery, 1,453 cases of kidnapping, and 1,429 other sundry cases were recorded.

Also, the police arrested 35,496 suspects for their participation in various crimes while 1,907 effecting cases were recorded in the period under review.

Addressing newsmen, he clarified the NPF’s stance on the recruitment saga between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and NPF, emphasizing the importance of recruiting quality personnel to ensure effective policing.

“The supreme court ruling gave the recruitment into the police force to the Police Service Commission (PSC). That does not mean that the NPF will not be carried along in the recruitment process.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that quality personnel are recruited into the police force. If we don’t pay attention to recruitment, disaster is awaiting”, Egbetokun said.

Egbetokun stressed the sensitivity of police work and the need for careful selection of recruits.

According to him, “We can’t sit here as members of the police force management team and allow that to happen.

“We recognize the power of the commission to recruit for us.For now, in the Nigerian police, we don’t have space for people with disabilities. Don’t get me wrong, we could 0lan for that in the nearest future.” he stated.

He suggested that there might be future opportunities for PLWDs within the force as modern policing becomes more inclusive.

“Maybe in the future, because modern policing is inclusive. Then we will be able to recruit PLWDs into the police, and we would have made arrangements for special training for them so that they can function effectively.”

Egbetokun reiterated that the NPF’s position is not adversarial. “The police job is very sensitive, so we have to be careful with the quality of people we recruit into the Force. That is what we are saying.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had raised concerns about the ongoing recruitment of police constables, alleging corruption and irregularities in the process.

In a statement released by Muyiwa Adejobi NPF spokesperson, the police force dissociated itself from the recent list of successful candidates published by the PSC.

Addressing field commanders, Egbetokun said: “Our administration took office at a crucial period in our democracy, marked by significant tests of our democratic credentials. I commend the professionalism and restraint exhibited by our officers during the labour strikes of July 2023 and June 2024.

“These situations required tact, wisdom, and objectivity. Our response showcased our commitment to the rule of law, democratic values, and human rights. It is not all over yet. We will continue to refine our strategies to ensure safety and security at protests and public gatherings.

“Nigeria has grappled with various security challenges for years, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, secessionist agitation, cyber-crimes, and other criminalities.

“To address these, we conceived a special police intervention unit, the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), consisting of specially trained officers focused solely on rapid and proactive crisis intervention.

“The SIS has achieved significant successes particularly in FCT where it was launched on January 17, 2024. We must continue to sustain our strategies and maintain internal security.

“The need to enhance our Intelligence arm led to the upgrade of the Force Intelligence Bureau to a full-fledged Department, headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police. This strategic investment underscores our commitment to modernizing the Nigeria Police Force.

“Assistant Commissioners of Police now head both Zonal and State Intelligence Departments, enhancing our operational effectiveness.

“The Nigeria Police Force has a crucial role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. To strengthen our capabilities and demonstrate our commitment to combating financial crimes, we have established dedicated Anti-Money Laundering {AML} Section at the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“This will be replicated at all Zonal and State Commands. This initiative could not have come at a better time, as the units will enhance our capacity to tackle the menace, investigate and prosecute financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing.

“Our collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is key in this regard. By working together, we will improve our investigations, prosecutions, and ultimately, convict perpetrators.

“I urge you all to embrace this initiative at your various duty posts, by assisting the take-off of the Sections and working to prevent financial crimes and make our country a more secured place for all.”