Reps to investigate killing of 90,000 policemen by insurgents
(Nigeria) The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved
to investigate recent revelation by Inspector General of Police, IG, Mr Solomon Arase that 90,000 officers of
Nigeria police lost their lives fighting insurgency.
The House also mandated the committee on Police Affairs with
other relevant committees and agencies to look into the manpower challenge
faced by the Nigeria Police to enable it tackle insecurity.
These resolutions were reached following a motion under
Matters of Urgent Public Importance moved by Rep. Ahmed Yerima (Bauchi-APC).
Yerima called on the House to mandate its committee on
police affairs to investigate the claim by the IGP and make recommendations
accordingly.
He explained that the IG's declaration was alarming and
disturbing, considering the delicate security situation in the country, adding
that it was an acceptance of low manpower in the police.
He said: "The United Nations, UN, approximates a median
of about 300 police officers per 100,000 citizens globally. According to recent estimates from Interpol,
Nigeria has about 205 police officers for every 100,000 citizens which is 95
police officers short of the global median.
"There is already a shortage of manpower in the police
and its attendant effects are being felt all over the country, with kidnapping,
robberies, homicides, communal clashes and insurgency among others", he
said.
Members speaking in support of the motion decried the
situation and urged government to take urgent steps to remedy the shortfall by
fresh recruitment with adequate training, equipment and remuneration.
Rep. Nasir Ahmed (Katsina-APC), said, ``for us to lose that
number of policemen is a monumental loss and very unfortunate.
``We must provide adequate funding and equipment for the
police to enable them perform effectively."
Ali Patigi (Kwara-APC), said, "I will urge that this
matter to be thoroughly investigated because losing 90,000 policemen is no mean
misfortune for a society.
``I will support a thorough investigation of this and also
the recruitment and funding of additional officers to meet the security
requirement of our society,” he said.
The motion was passed and referred to the House Committee on
Police Affairs for further legislative actions and report back to the House
within eight weeks.
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