No job for PLWDs in police, says IGP

• Senate wades into NPF, PSC rift over recruitment
• Force records 2,308 murders, arrests 35,496 suspected criminals

Following a rift between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) management, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said the force does not have positions for People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs).

Egbetokun made the disclosure, yesterday, during a conference with Strategic Police Managers in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Senate is set to step into the controversy between NPF and PSC. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Sen AbdulamidMallamadori, said the lawmakers would invite the two sides to a meeting as soon as practicable.

According to him, the Senate cannot allow a controversy, which can affect the reputation of NPF to run its course.

He called on all sides to halt claims and counterclaims in the media because there is no misunderstanding that cannot be clarified and resolved by the parties in the interest of the nation.

Mallamadori pointed out how the security situation in the country would not allow for any controversy that could impair any stakeholder in guaranteeing the safety of all Nigerians.

NPF and PSC have publicly traded claims and counterclaims over the recent recruitment of 10,000 constables into the force.

Yearly recruitment of that number has been on since 2019 as a Federal Government’s policy response to policing.

The police boss also hinted that under his watch, 2,308 murder cases, 856 armed robbery cases, 1,453 kidnap cases, and 1,429 sundry cases were recorded.

Also, the police reportedly arrested 35,496 suspects for their participation in various crimes in the period under review.

Addressing newsmen, he clarified the force’s stance on the recruitment saga between PSC and NPF, emphasising the importance of recruiting quality personnel to ensure effective policing.

“The Supreme Court ruling gave recruitment into the police force to the PSC. That does not mean that NPF will not be carried along in the recruitment process.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that quality personnel are recruited into the police force. If we don’t pay attention to recruitment, disaster is awaiting,” Egbetokun said.

Stressing the sensitivity of police work and the need for careful selection of recruits, he said: “We cannot sit here as members of the police force management team and allow that to happen.

“We recognise the power of the commission to recruit for us. For now, in the police, we do not have space for people with disabilities. Do not get me wrong; we could plan for that in the future. Then, we would have arranged for special training for them to function effectively.”

The police boss reiterated that the NPF’s position is not adversarial. “The police job is sensitive; so, we have to be careful with the quality of people we recruit into the force. That is what we are saying.”

NPF had raised concerns about the ongoing recruitment of police constables, alleging corruption and irregularities in the process.

In a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, the force dissociated from the recent list of successful candidates published by PSC.

Addressing field commanders, Egbetokun said: “Our administration took office at a crucial period in our democracy, marked by significant tests of our democratic credentials. I commend the professionalism and restraint exhibited by our officers during the labour strikes of July 2023 and June 2024.

“These situations required tact, wisdom and objectivity. Our response showcased our commitment to the rule of law, democratic values and human rights. It is not all over yet. We will continue to refine our strategies to ensure safety and security at protests and public gatherings.”