Reps To Probe IG’s Claim Of Slain 90, 000 Police Personnel
Reps To Probe IG’s Claim Of Slain 90, 000 Police Personnel
Following the statement by the Inspector – General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, that 90, 000 Police personnel have lost their lives in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, the House of Representatives yesterday mandated its committee on Police Affairs to launch an investigation into the claim with a view to ascertaining its true status and report back to the House.
This is as the House also mandated the committee to liaise with other relevant committees and agencies to look into the possible replacement of shortfalls in the manpower of the Police with the view of curbing security challenges facing the country. These resolutions by the House followed a motion on matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ahmed Yerima.
The law maker noted that the IGP’s revelation is alarming and disturbing, considering the delicate security situation in the country, adding that this is goes a long way to show the low manpower in the police. “The United Nations (UN) approximates a median of about 300 police officers per 100,000 citizens globally.
“According to recent estimates from Interpol, Nigeria has about 205 police officers for every 100,000 citizens which is 95 police officers shy of the global median. “There is already a large shortage of manpower in the police and its attendant effects are being felt all over the country, with kidnapping, robberies homicides, communal clashes and ultimately, the Boko Haram insurgency among others”, he said.
Members while speaking in support of the motion lamented the situation and urge the federal government to take urgent steps to remedy the shortfall by carrying urgent recruitment exercise with adequate training, equipment and remuneration.
