The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris has said the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration will effectively tackle the challenges rocking the country if it approves yearly recruitment of 31,000 policemen for the next five years.
The I-G, represented by Deputy-Inspector General of Police (DIG) Foluso Adebanjo, a Supervising Officer in Charge of South West Police Training Institutions made the appeal at the Passing Out Parade of 583 police constables at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.
The IG said the Nigeria Police was presently operating below the United Nations approved ratio of 1:400 and appealed for continuous recruitment to boost the Nigeria Police workforce.
“Let me use this opportunity to express my appreciation to his Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the recruitment of 10,000 police officers and providing an enabling environment for the police to perform its constitutional functions.
” Like Oliver Twist, lets once again appeal to Mr. President to further approve the recruitment of 31,000 police officers yearly for the next five years to make the Nigeria Police operate within the United Nations approved policing ratio of 1:400.” he said.
He further urged the newly recruited police constables to be good ambassadors and put in their best towards enhancing the performance of the force in maintaining law and order.
“The police cannot afford to disappoint the populace by allowing crime and criminality to thrive in the country. You must therefore put in your best to maintain law and order at all time
” During the course of performing your statutory functions, you will be confronted with lot of challenges , some friendly and others hostile.
“You may be faced with a situation where you are requested to bend the rules for either financial or material benefits. No matter what the promises are, you should not succumb to such demands.
“Ensure that your actions are in line with extant rules and regulations and that which you can defend at all times. You may be victimised for sticking to the truth but be consoled in the fact that truth is constant and will always prevail, no matter how long it may take.” he said.
Idris further stated that he will not hesitate to deal decisively with any police officer found in acts which violates the laws of the land including the prosecution of such persons.
“On my assumption as the 19th Inspector General of Police, i stated in very clear terms that this police administration under my leadership will operate within the mantra of the rule of law and respect for the rights of all.
“This informed my decision to launch the Nigeria Police Force creed titled ” Our Creed ” which is to guide your actions and conduct while operating in the policing space.
“The creed which is strongly recommended to be your guide states that we shall police the country based on international values of policing with integrity.
“We shall ensure that rule of law prevails in our action and activities, we shall respect diversity, display courage, show compassion and demonstrate professionalism.
“We shall operate within the principles of democratic policing, we shall shun corruption and we shall make Nigeria safer and secured.” he said
