The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun emphasized the pressing need for a substantial increase in police personnel to effectively manage the security landscape in Nigeria.
The current shortage of manpower is impeding law enforcement’s ability to combat crime, prompting the IGP to call for the recruitment of an additional 190,000 personnel.
Speaking at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, IGP Egbetokun highlighted the disparities between the UN’s recommended police-to-citizen ratio and the current situation in Nigeria.
While the UN suggests one police officer for every 460 citizens, Nigeria’s ratio stands at 1 officer per 650 citizens.
To bridge this gap, IGP Egbetokun stressed the necessity of hiring 190,000 new personnel to align with the United Nations’ guideline.
He noted that failing to adequately bolster the police force could undermine the government’s ambitious industrialization agenda.
Economic growth is intrinsically linked to effective policing, as Egbetokun pointed out.
The dearth of manpower has resulted in a diminished police presence, potentially exposing industrial sites to criminal activities and hindering the nation’s progress in economic development.
Furthermore, the scarcity of personnel within the Nigerian police force is exerting a negative impact on the security of critical infrastructure.
This multifaceted challenge highlights the urgency of addressing the manpower shortage within law enforcement to ensure the safety and prosperity of the country.