Nigeria poorly policed, needs additional 190,000 personnel – IGP Egbetokun

The Nigerian Police Force has indicated that insufficient manpower is one of the key factors impeding the agency’s efforts to combat crime, while adding that it needs additional 190,000 personnel to properly secure the country.

The Inspector General of Police,(IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun disclosed this in a paper presentation to the Senior Executive Course 45 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State.

He noted that while the United Nations recommended one police personnel to 460 citizens ratio, Nigeria has a police-citizen ratio of 1-650.

“Therefore, the NPF requires an additional 190,000 personnel to be at parity with the United Nations recommended ratio,” he said.

The IGP added that the government’s industrialisation ambition would become unrealistic if Nigeria is not well policed.

“Therefore, the inadequate manpower, which has resulted in a low police presence, could hinder the government’s industrialization efforts,” the IGP added.

“Without sufficient police presence and response capabilities, industrial sites could become vulnerable to criminal activities and hamper economic progress.”