FG to recruit 30,000 police constables annually to strengthen security — IGP Egbetokun

Towards addressing manpower gaps in policing and enhancing security delivery nationwide, the Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 30,000 police constables yearly to build a responsive and people-centred police force.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, stated this in Ilorin on Tuesday during the passing-out parade of 343 police constables for the 2022/2023 Batch 'B' intake recruits.

Egbetokun, who was represented by the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, explained that since his assumption of office as the Inspector General of Police a few years ago, the constables being passed out today bring the total number of recruited constables to 20,000, aimed at strengthening the foundation of policing in Nigeria.

He remarked that the Nigeria Police Force has deepened its commitment to national security and public safety with renewed investment in manpower, logistics, and welfare for a more responsive and people-centred police force.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully aligned with the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Tinubu towards building a modern, reformed, and professional institution that Nigerians can trust, take pride in, and be proud of,” Egbetokun further added.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Police Training School, Ilorin, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Saliu Tunde Mohammed, said the six-month training for the 343 recruit constables was encapsulated in the current police training manual developed by the Department of Training and Development of the Force, in line with contemporary global best policing practices.

Mohammed noted that the constables had been exposed to legal studies, liberal studies, artificial intelligence studies, AI cybercrime, police-community partnership, weapon/firearm handling, combat operations for self-defence, French language study, sports activities, and professional police studies, among others, to guide them in their national assignments.

He said the 343 new constables include 261 males and 82 females from Kwara and Kogi States, with Kwara contributing 142 recruits (110 males and 32 females), while Kogi contributed 201 recruits (151 males and 50 females). He urged them to uphold the principles of sincerity and fairness to protect and serve the nation and its people with the integrity required of police officers.

He commended the Kwara State Government for its support towards the school and requested the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the school hostels, as well as erosion control and land scraping of the school parade ground.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, lauded the school for contributing to the manpower needs of the Police and further called for collaboration between the school and the host community for greater support.

Gambari, represented by the Magaji-Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Aremu Zubair, urged the constables to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s security apparatus for a peaceful society.