Banditry: Former IGP Idris Reacts, Says Attacks on Policemen, Stations Worsen Security in Nigeria
Ibrahim Idris Kpotun is a former Inspector General of Police (IGP). In this exclusive interview with Legit's regional reporter, Adewunmi Adeoye, the ex-police boss talks about the issues of insecurity in the country, what the current IGP could do to address the menace.
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Can you tell us about your experience after retirement?
I have been resting and resting.
Resting to take up political ambition?
No, no, no. I am resting now.
We would like you to set the record straight on the rumour that policemen are buying their accessories themselves.
Obviously, I don’t believe it. Rumour can be true or false. But, a policeman does not buy a uniform.
Between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Police Force, who is responsible for the recruitment of police?
From the previous experience I had, the government recruits policemen. They recruit and train them. The government can be Police Service Commission or the Police Force.
What do you think is the pressing challenge of the Nigerian Police Force?
They need to study the attack on policemen because that thing is very dangerous. It dampens the morale of serving police officers and it affects even their inputs.
I think they need to tackle it urgently as also those who are serving would not put in their full effort. This issue of regional security is also dampening the morale of serving policemen and I think that government should also tackle it urgently.
Can you advise the government on how to end insecurity in Nigeria?
Let them tackle adequately the requirements of the police. If they handle that adequately, this country would be adequately policed.
To address police issues in this country, you talk of required needs - train them, arm them and provision of welfare is very important because you need to give them welfare.
Is welfare the reason the police collect money for bail despite stating that bail is free?
Money for bail? In which country. Bail is free.
What is your take on the call for the scrapping of SARS last year?
From the name, what does SARS mean? They set them up for a purpose. Are we still facing the problem? If we are still facing the problem, it is just to train and equip those units in order to make them more effective.
What can you say about gender discrimination within the police force?
The issue has to do with the police rules and regulation that forbids women from getting pregnant before marriage. But, the matter is being addressed and it is in court.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11, Olasupo Ajani, appealed to Nigerians to stop attacking the personnel of the Nigerian Police Force.
It was reported that Ajani made the appeal on Tuesday, April 27 while speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Oyo state police command in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Source: Legit.ng
