In a significant step towards modernizing the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, is set to finalize and implement the Revitalized Police Agenda and Transformation Roadmap.
This ambitious initiative aims to address current challenges and reshape the police force into a modern, proactive, and efficient entity. The roadmap consolidates all previous police reform reports in alignment with Presidential Directives.
The reform effort builds on various historical reports and panels, including the Dan Mandami-led Presidential Panel on Police Reform (2006), the MD Yusuf Presidential Panel on Police Reform (2008), the Parry Osayande Panel (2012), the Civil Society Organization Panel on Police Reform (2012), the Presidential Panel on SARS Reform (2018), and the Presidential Roadmap on Police Reform initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Key focus areas of the roadmap include enhancing infrastructure development, boosting the technical and operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), improving welfare within the NPF, establishing a robust policy framework for policing in Nigeria, strengthening community policing, building public trust in the NPF, and rebranding the force to restore citizens’ confidence.
**Achievements Over the Past Year:**
1. **Establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC):**
The NCDFC serves as a collaborative platform for various law enforcement agencies, consolidating criminal data, conducting analysis, and sharing key intelligence products to bolster internal security operations. It also facilitates intelligence sharing with both national and international security agencies.
2. **Strengthening the West African Police Information System (WAPIS):**
Reinforcement of the legal framework supporting WAPIS and equipping key security institutions with WAPIS terminals has significantly improved collaborative efforts to combat criminal activities.
3. **Automation of Police Specialized Services:**
The issuance of unique reference numbers for globally validated police character certificates has streamlined the application and processing times, enhancing service efficiency.
4. **Launch of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS):**
On January 17, 2024, the NPF introduced the SIS in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the rise in violent crimes. The squad has successfully arrested 23 suspects for offenses such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms, and has recovered multiple arms and stolen vehicles.
5. **Enhanced Deployment of Tactical Squads:**
Specialized units such as the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Crack Squad have been deployed in the FCT to combat kidnapping and violent crimes. These tactical squads have led to the apprehension of 1,190 suspects who are currently undergoing screening and interrogation.
6. **Strategic Shift Towards E-Policing:**
Investments in surveillance systems, drones, and communication technologies have enhanced the force’s capacity for real-time data collection and response. The integration of forensic technology has improved criminal investigations and identification. Tools like digital reconstructive analysis devices, drones, pen and watch cameras, and infrared telescopes are now in use, along with ICT applications like the RescueMe App, e-CMR, and Police VGS.
7. **Enhanced Highways and Train Safety Measures:**
Security along the Abuja-Kaduna highway and train service route has been bolstered, leading to the apprehension of 63 suspects linked to violent crimes along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
8. **Infrastructure Revamp at the Police Academy:**
Major investments are being made to modernize the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano, including the reconstruction of cadet hostels, construction of drainage and roads, establishment of an entrepreneurship center, and installation of bakery and library equipment.
9. **Emphasis on Community Policing and Citizen Engagement:**
The NPF has fully embraced community-oriented policing, engaging stakeholders through town-hall meetings and reinforcing the Police Community Relations Committee to enhance community safety.
10. **Improved Welfare for Police Personnel:**
The ministry facilitated the promotion of 3,071 education officers within the police education system and is reviewing the Police Pension Bill to enhance officer welfare.
The establishment of the Nigeria Police Veterans Foundation supports retired officers, and the annual Nigeria Police Award and Commendations ceremony encourages professionalism and service excellence.
Other notable initiatives include the launch of the Young and Secure Project, upgrading the police training curriculum, enhanced cooperation with INTERPOL, and strengthened community policing efforts.
The Minister of Police Affairs emphasized ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement agencies in serving the nation. These achievements reflect a commitment to building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
LV