Nigeria’s police as sacrificial lambs

Sir: The rate at which members of the Nigeria Police force are being killed almost on a daily basis calls for serious concern and indeed needs an urgent solution in order to stem the tide, boost the morale of our men in the force and restore their confidence and commitment to duty.

It is disheartening that most of the policemen attached to the so-called VIPs are being mauled down without anything being done about it; at least there is no evidence to show that such very serious issue is being addressed.  Last year, more than five policemen in the convoy of a pastor, Apostle Suleiman were gruesomely murdered in the South East. Again, only few days ago, the convoy of the former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha was attacked in Imo by so-called unknown gunmen and in the process, a police man lost his life. There have been several other of such cases across the country, yet, we have simply carried on as if all is well.

If viewed critically, the reason why members of the police force have now become the sacrificial lambs for political office holders is not farfetched. It is simply because of the failure of the Nigerian state to kit members of its police force properly against sudden attacks. With proper gadgets and modern weapons, it would not be possible for the members of the police force to keep losing their lives like chicken every time.

The fact that proper care is not taken to protect our police is also responsible for the lackadaisical attitudes noticeable with most of them towards their primary assignment. Most of them now simply work to rule and their major target is how much they can make on daily basis on the roads through extortion. It is difficult nowadays to see any police officer who is truly committed or interested in rendering any service to anybody unless money is involved. This is the more reason something should be done now to change the narrative especially by the new regime.

It is unacceptable that while the governors and other top government functionaries who the police protect  usually have extra protection in their bulletproof vehicles, the security details are left on their own with moribund weapons unprotected and so become easy prey for the bullets of the men of the underworld. The way out is either for the state to provide bulletproof vests, helmets and other necessary gadgets for our men of the force or to make those to whom they are attached to take up such responsibility.

Besides, if it is not already in place, the state must commence the programme of comprehensive insurance policy for all police officers who put their lives on the line in the protection of others. These suggestions, if adopted by the new government, will go a long way in bringing a new reawakening of commitment to the force. This should indeed be an urgent assignment for the newly appointed Inspector General of Police.

Jide Oyewusi coordinator of Ethics Watch International, Lagos.