The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris wants the presidency to consider an annual recruitment of 31,000 personnel into the force for the next five years. This according to him, would lead to meeting the United Nation’s ratio of one policeman to 400 persons, saying the personnel of the force are overstretched as he pegged the ratio at 1-600. He disclosed this at the passing out parade of men and women who are now police personnel.
Reports have it that the new police intakes went through nine months of intensive training which was preparatory to the daunting task of maintaining internal security now before them.
In 2016, a directive came for recruitment of 10,000 personnel into the force. And while the police boss, who was represented at the occasion, by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Research and Planning, Valentine Ntomchukwu, still appreciates the order, he says the number is grossly inadequate.
The police IG charged the new intakes to be good ambassadors of the force as they hit the field and was emphatic against succumbing to financial temptation. He said penalties would be fully meted out on policemen found wanting.
For their loved ones, it was a thing of joy watching them pass out successfully.
The new intakes are expected to inject fresh oxygen into the existing police structure. And the police boss hopes they would not be a disappointment.
