A former Deputy Commander-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, has called for extensive reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, asserting that no police division should operate with fewer than 20 vehicles to effectively combat crime.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday, the retired deputy commandant emphasized that adequate logistics are crucial for crime-fighting within any division's operational area. He proposed the use of motorcycles, bicycles, and foot patrols in addition to patrol vehicles to improve security coverage, especially in remote communities.
Momodu urged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to prioritize the complete implementation of the revised Police Act, viewing it as vital for enhancing the Force's efficiency and service delivery.
He argued that divisions and state commands require sufficient resources and government support, noting that improved welfare for officers is equally important. According to Momodu, police officers should be provided with adequate uniforms, footwear, and modern communication tools to ensure professionalism and smooth information exchange between divisional stations and state command headquarters.
The former NDLEA chief also advocated for intelligence-led policing, cautioning against an over-reliance on static checkpoints and routine displays of force, which he believes have limited effectiveness. He suggested that targeted intelligence gathering would allow officers to identify and apprehend criminals more efficiently, rather than relying on random searches.
Momodu congratulated Disu on his appointment, describing him as a determined leader capable of transforming the Force into a more professional and community-oriented institution. However, he stressed that concrete reforms would be the ultimate benchmark of his success.
He referred to Section 20 of the Police Act, which stipulates that police officers' salaries should not be less than those of other better-remunerated law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, and called for its prompt enforcement.
Regarding the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection, Momodu recommended activating provisions within the Act that permit the creation of specialized "spy police" units to guard premises and VIPs. He explained that organizations requesting such services would be responsible for covering the costs of recruitment, training, and salaries, thereby reducing government expenditure and generating employment.
He added that a large number of personnel previously assigned to VIP protection could be reassigned under this scheme, supporting the Federal Government's cost-saving initiatives.
Momodu also called for the activation of provisions related to special constables to address policing deficiencies in underserved regions. He advised the Acting Inspector-General to obtain an executive summary of the Police Act from the Force's legal department to ensure comprehensive implementation.
Furthermore, he urged the reactivation of police call centres in state capitals to enable citizens to report security threats swiftly, and the establishment of community policing committees at both local government and state levels.
He concluded by advocating for the renovation of police stations nationwide, emphasizing that sufficient vehicles and improved infrastructure are indispensable for the police to effectively fulfill their constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property.
Linus Aleke reporting from Abuja.
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