Federal Government Urged To Strengthen Nigeria Police

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

 Security expert, Luqman Gidado, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, stating that the current leadership of the Force under Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is working to promote effective people-centred policing.

Gidado made the remarks during the *Politics HQ* live television programme on Thursday night while discussing the topic, *"Promoting Informed Electoral Participation Ahead of 2027."*

Speaking on security management during elections, Gidado cautioned against the over-militarisation of Nigeria's security landscape, arguing that it would not necessarily improve the electoral process.

"Over-militarisation of the security landscape in Nigeria will not improve the electioneering process. Take, for instance, Ecuador. Over-militarisation did not improve the electoral process; rather, it was an increased police presence that brought some level of sanity," he said.

He maintained that the Federal Government should invest more in strengthening the Nigeria Police Force.

"I think the Nigerian Government should strengthen the Police. The current Police Force, under the leadership of the IGP, is striving to make the Force people-centred, effective, and responsive," Gidado stated.

The security expert also commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their efforts in combating crime and rescuing kidnap victims across the country.

"We should commend the Nigeria Police for the rescue of the former minister's sister and her twin sons in Oyo State. Although the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the school children and that of the former minister's sister may be different, the Police and other security agencies are doing their best to ensure that the children regain their freedom," he said.

Gidado further noted that security agencies have recorded significant successes in recent operations, particularly in Zamfara State and the Federal Capital Territory.

"In places like Zamfara, the Nigeria Police have intensified efforts to secure lives and property. Major successes have been recorded in the last four days, including the rescue of 27 victims and the neutralisation of notorious bandit kingpins. Also, in Abuja, five kidnap victims were rescued and several bandits were arrested," he added.

According to him, bandits continue to exploit the limited presence of security personnel in rural communities and villages, creating opportunities to perpetrate criminal activities.

He stressed that the security gap in many rural areas has enabled criminal elements to operate with relative ease and cause mayhem.

Commenting on the abduction of school children in Oyo State, Gidado expressed optimism that security agencies were making progress toward securing their release.

"Security agencies are closing in on the abductors, which is why they are releasing propaganda videos to mount pressure on the Government," he said.

"I do not believe the Chibok Girls scenario will repeat itself because security agencies are not resting on their oars. They are working tirelessly to rescue the abducted children."

Gidado identified increased security presence in rural areas and improved socio-economic development as critical measures for addressing insecurity across the country.

"Some of the solutions to tackling insecurity include improved security presence in rural communities. The Government should also address governance challenges through socio-economic development initiatives that improve the welfare of people living in rural areas," he said.