A former Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Balarabe Sule, has said that the recent presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of police orderlies from VIPs will significantly strengthen police operations in critical areas across the country.
Speaking as a guest on Freedom Radio’s current affairs programme, on Sunday,“Duniyarmu A Yau,” the retired police chief noted that with fewer than 400,000 police personnel serving Nigeria’s large population, redeploying officers to core policing duties has become imperative, especially in the face of rising crime.
Alhaji Sule stressed the need for refresher training for officers withdrawn from VIP protection to enable them adjust to present security realities and enhance their operational effectiveness.
According to him, the development would also help rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force, as it aligns with the constitutional responsibilities of the institution.
He cited Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the duties of the police, including the protection of lives and property, adding that greater police visibility would make citizens feel a stronger sense of belonging and security.
“The constitution is clear on the primary role of the police. When officers are redeployed to protect the public, confidence in the system will improve,” he said.
The former commissioner further disclosed that the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Ibrahim Bakori, has significantly complied with the presidential directive, considering the prevailing security realities in the state.
Alhaji Sule also expressed optimism that the recently established Kano Neighbourhood Corps would go a long way in complementing police operations at the grassroots level.
He described the replacement of police orderlies with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as a step in the right direction, noting that it would allow the police to focus on their core mandate.
The retired police commissioner, however, called for closer monitoring of the conduct of some members of the police constabulary to ensure professionalism and discipline in service delivery.
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