Prof. Danfulani Ahmed, former Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has called for improved care and recognition for the Nigeria Police.
Ahmed, a Professor of Defence and National Security, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a seminar organised by the Metro Area Command of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
The former NIPSS boss in his paper titled, ”Police and National Security: A Collective Responsibility”, said police was the custodian of national security.
He said the greatest function of any custodian of governance was national security, adding that the Police was fully armed legally and politically in the performance of its constitutional functions.
Ahmed said the personnel of the Police had over the years not adequately taken care of the task assigned to them by the constitution.
He decried the poor funding of the force, delay in the payment of its allowances and benefits as well as the deplorable state of its barracks and colleges.
“Nigerians on the streets, especially the educated ones do not care for the police and by extension do not care about national security.
“As custodians of national security of the country, I urge you to remain very proud of your profession. You did not miss your way to join the police,” he said.
The former NIPSS boss called on the political leadership of the country to use appropriate recognition, reward and motivation to appreciate personnel of the force.
Mr Patrick Fufeyin, the Chairman, Metro Area Command of PCRC, said the seminar was organised to brainstorm on the need to provide necessary support for the Nigeria Police.
He commended the Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory over their commitment in the protection of lives and property.
The seminar also featured the inauguration of Research Team to work closely with the Divisional Police Headquarters within the command and presentation of awards to individuals in recognition of their services to humanity.
Mr Ned Nwoko, a former Member of the House of Representatives and one of the Awardees, commended the Metro Area Command for the award.
He said that the security of the country was a collective responsibility that must not be left in the hands of government alone.
According to him, the management of the security problems will be easier if the fundamental problem of the economy is addressed.
