Abuja: A security expert, Dr. Ibrahim Ajia, has urged the recently appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to implement reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ajia, who also holds the title of Dan Amanan of Fune Emirate in Yobe, made this appeal through a statement issued by his Director of Communications, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan.
Ajia highlighted the importance of addressing the welfare and needs of police officers, especially those at the rank and file level who are responsible for most of the policing work in the country. He emphasized that listening to their concerns would greatly enhance their morale and operational efficiency.
He called for a focus on correcting structural imbalances within the police force, particularly the disparities between senior officers and rank-and-file personnel tasked with frontline duties. Ajia advocated for a proper pyramidal structure within the police system to ensure balanced growth, professionalism, and efficiency.
The security expert also stressed the need for recruiting more rank-and-file officers to bolster community-level policing. He noted that the current structure is top-heavy, leaving the operational base understaffed. Ajia advised that police recruitment should be a genuine and transparent process rather than mere routine announcements.
Regarding police welfare, Ajia urged the police leadership to align police salaries with those of other internal security agencies. He recalled that such approval was granted during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but has yet to be fully implemented. Ajia mentioned the establishment of the Trust Fund as a potential solution to funding challenges, provided it is managed effectively.
He suggested that the new IG should collaborate closely with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to ensure that projects and interventions are aligned with the force’s operational needs. Ajia also recommended that the National Assembly enhance the legal framework governing the Trust Fund to ensure it operates as a professional support institution.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, Ajia expressed confidence that challenges like insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry can be tackled if the police fully assume their internal security responsibilities. He proposed establishing a special force counter-terrorism unit within the police to strengthen its response to violent crimes.
Ajia encouraged IGP Disu to leverage his experience, networks, and training to address criminality effectively. He commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Disu, describing the decision as timely and appropriate given Nigeria’s current security challenges. Ajia concluded by expressing optimism about the future of policing under Disu’s leadership.