When Nigeria’s military left the stage in 1999, they left us a troubled police force – weakened and underfunded, unable to manage the weight of the country’s problems. In response, we saw the birth of many agencies: the EFCC to chase down corruption, the Road Safety Corps to patrol our highways, the ICPC to watch over public offices. But, over time, we have come to realize that instead of making us safer, these many uniforms have only divided our strength.
In a country already stretched thin, these agencies each demand their share of funds, their own offices, and their own officers. They often overlap, each trying to do the job the police were originally meant to handle. And rather than working together, they end up in rivalries that weaken our ability to fight crime and protect the people.
Imagine, instead, a unified Nigeria Police Force – one that is equipped with specialized departments within it: a financial crimes unit, a traffic division, and an anti-corruption squad, all under a single leadership. Each branch would be led by a Deputy Inspector General, reporting to one Inspector General of Police. In this way, our police could focus their efforts, work with a single mind, and be held accountable by one command.
Rather than spending scarce funds to fuel many agencies, all these resources could be poured into a single, unified force. With proper training, the right tools, and a structure that makes sense, this force would not only protect the rights of Nigerians but also restore confidence in law enforcement.
The military era may have brought us these scattered agencies, but we no longer live under military rule. It is time for Nigeria to move beyond this hangover from the past. Let us consolidate our forces, unify our police, and build a system that truly serves the people.
www.smemediangr.com
Saintmoses Eromosele is the Executive Director of Oneghe Sele Foundation, an organization committed to the rights of individuals and communities within Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora.
talktosme@gmail.com
