One police officer is currently performing the duties of two, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who revealed a proposal of his government to increase the size of the police force in the nation.
On Friday, during a one-day visit to the state Command in Ilorin, the state capital, Egbetokun addressed the men and officers of the Kwara State Police Command and stated that there is a manpower shortfall in the Police Force.
Egbetokun noted that President Bola Tinubu had recently approved annual police recruitment, adding to his statement that the plan to expand manpower would be gradual.
“We’re keeping an eye on the workforce. I am aware that the command is short-staffed. I am aware of the strain I experienced while serving as CP to ensure that the task was completed. I am aware that one police officer performs the duties of two.
A police officer would end their night shift and report back for work in the morning. Additionally, he is returning to night duty as he closes off his morning shift. Additionally, when he nods asleep in public, pictures of him are taken, uploaded, and used to make fun of him. I know about all of these.
We’re working to give you more strength. Recently, the President approved the annual police recruitment drive. That is the path to take. The number of police officers in the nation needs to be doubled. We must take our time and do things gradually. And we will arrive there gradually. In order to have a police force that is professionally competent, we will also prioritise training. Equipping the police force with weapons is a top priority, but we’re also looking into welfare in terms of pay increases and other areas to better the lives of officers. We pledge to look after the insurance plan as well.
The Inspector General of Police expressed his excitement at being with you and seeing your happy expressions, remarking that he had an exciting experience serving as the Commissioner of Police in Kwara state. I know what you have given up to bring peace to Kwara. I know about your escapades, your arrest, your convictions, your breakthrough, and the weapons you are recovering.
Along with sharing this, he unveiled the Police’s new vision, which he described as follows: “We want a police force that is professionally competent, service-driven, law-abiding, citizen-friendly, and will support government initiatives for social integration, economic growth, and political development in our nation.” a police force that will react to the dynamics of criminal activity in our neighbourhood.
throughout his courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, the 22nd IGP thanked the monarch for his support and help throughout his tenure in the state from 2019 to 2020 and referred to his visit as a return home.
Speaking as well, Victor Olaiya, the state commissioner of police, asked the IGP to provide an armoured personnel carrier (APC) in order to strengthen bank security and increase the force’s ability to combat crime.
The CP further stated that Kwara State’s police force had shrunk much below the internationally recognised ratio of one police officer for every 400 residents.
He said that on May 5, 1967, when the state’s population was much less than two million, Kwara state was established with 8,000 police officers.
Thankfully, the IGP has promised to hire more staff, and we hope and wish that this trend continues.
“Kwara State’s position as a gateway between the country’s northern and southern regions has exposed the state to both positive and negative opportunities, so we must always be on the lookout.”
The state is bordered by both domestic and foreign boundaries, which makes law enforcement difficult. This takes me to the topic of working in tandem with sister organisations. I’m happy to inform you, sir, that the collaborative foundation you established while serving as the Commissioner of Police for Kwara State Command has solidified and has played a significant role in the state’s accomplishments in combating crime.
“The command has been attempting to maintain the tranquilly that has existed in the state despite logistical obstacles and inadequate manpower.”
