News
FG, States, LGAs Earmark N420bn To Revamp Police
Agreement have been reached by the federal, states and local governments in Nigeria to contribute jointly the sum of N420 billion for the next five years to reposition the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Deputy Inspector – General of Police, DIG, (Retired) Mr. Parry Osayande, who made this public while addressing newsmen in Enugu at the weekend, explained that the money would be used in building modern police barracks, expand and modernize the existing ones, buying new equipments, train and re-train members of the NPF, expand and modernize the existing Police Colleges , as well as build one police college in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.
Mr. Osayande, who was in Enugu with other members of the commission in continuation of their nationwide visit of Police formations, further stated that the commission, also responsible for promotion and disciplinary matters in the NPF from the rank of constable to Deputy Inspector –General of Police (DIG), is committed to improving the NPF, in order to restore its lost glory.
While stating that the chairman of the proposed funds would be the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Mr Osayande also gave the hint that the eight-member commission was also mandated to revamp the force.
According to him, promotions in the NPF would no longer be based on Federal Character arrangement as it was in the past, saying that all promotions would henceforth be based purely on merit. He said this will serve as encouragement to policemen to work harder, expressing optimism that the transformation of the NPF would yield fruitful dividend at the end of the exercise.
“The Police Service Commission will no longer allow Federal Character to affect promotion exercises in the police. You don’t need to pay money to get promoted. “At the same time, you don’t need to pay money to be posted from point A to point B”, he said.
He, therefore, used the forum to warn members of the force on corruption , especially as it concerns extortion of money from motorists and innocent citizens, as well as human rights abuses, advising them to desist from such misconduct or be ready to face the music if apprehended.
The Edo state-born retired police officer, expressed regret that prior to the appointment of the present police service commission, men and officers of the police force, who were due for promotion were stagnated in their old ranks for years, assuring that the present commission under his leadership was poised to address the trend.
According to him, the commission is committed towards ensuring that the NPF is completely repositioned with a view to engaging its personnel in more proactive policing, adding the that welfare of the men and officers would continue to remain one of its top priority at all times.
Arrangements, he went on, are equally on for the establishment of some forensic laboratories in various parts of the nation, stressing that training and re- training of officers and men of the security outfit would also be given serious attention. He stated that the commission wants to put in place a police that is always battle ready to face the 21st century security challenges.
Admitting the alarming rate of corruption in the NPF, the PSC chairman also blamed some of the problems on under funding of the establishment by successive administrations in the country.
He, thus called on all and sundry to join hands with the commission and government in repositioning the force , saying that security remains the business of every “Dick and Harry”.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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