The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate recent revelation by Inspector General of Police, 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 IGP’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. (NAN)
