BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
In the last one year of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry of Police Affairs under the leadership of two Ministers, a chief technocrat and administrator of the Ministry, with Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim as Ministers, along with Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary have piloted the affairs of the Ministry subsumed in the 12 point achievements.
In the last one year, the Ministry established a National Data Fusion Center (NCDFC), for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), as the centre will provide an avenue where relevant law enforcement agencies work together to pool criminal data , analyse and disseminate key criminal intelligence products to support internal security operations, share intelligence with the security agencies in Nigeria and with members of the international security community.
The Ministry has also embarked on automation of Police specialized services with unique reference numbers, that can be validated globally, following online application which has improved turnaround time for the application and processing of Police Character Certificate (PCC).
With service automation the activities of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will be simplified nationally and internationally including synergy.
One year under review, the Ministry also strengthened the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), with the legal framework, key security institutions now equipped with WAPIS terminals, allowing them to access critical information that had significantly enhanced their collective efforts at combating crimes across the globe.
The launch of Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in January, 2024 had been a major breakthrough to address surge in violence crimes within the nation’s capital debuted at force headquarters, Abuja.
After the launch six months ago , the new squad has recorded various successes including the arrest of twenty- three (23) suspects for crimes ranging from kidnapping, one chance, armed robber and unlawful possession of firearms, recovered multiple arms and ammunition, including twenty (20) stolen vehicles.
The enhanced deployment of tactical squads, these squads have effectively tackled nuances of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes in FCT trickled to states.
The Police has established specialised units with expertise in counter terrorism, hostage rescue, intelligence analysis in the nation’s capital to tackle crimes and criminalities .
Foremost amongst these are the anti kidnapping unit, Crack squad, anti violent crime unit of the FCT command, complimented with the newly launched Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
The strategic deployment has not only led to several arrests, but reduced to the barest minimum the incidence of crimes that led to arrests one thousand, one hundred and ninety(1,190) suspects who are been screened and interrogated.
Under the twelve point achievements, strategic shield to e- Policing was initiated, with strategic investments made in surveillance systems, application of drones and communication technologies to enhance Force’s capacity and capability for real time information gathering and response.
Application of forensic technology has proven instrumental in criminal investigations and identification of perpetrators.
In the nation’s city, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed gadgets and digital reconstructive analysis, drones, pen and watch cameras, as well as infrared telescopes for intelligence gathering and fact verification.
Also , information and communication technology (ICT) applications and platforms such as RescueMe App, e-CMR,(electronic Central Motor Registry ), and Police VGS to boost e-policing strategies and enhance productivity in all ramifications away from the previous analogue way of operation.
The automation of Police specialized services was also unique with reference numbers that can be validated globally, following online application which has improved the turn around time for the application and processing of Police Character Certificate (PCC).
The improved train attack was part of the policy thrust of the two Ministers through deployment of enhanced safety on the Abuja- Kaduna highway, as well as the Kaduna train service.
With the Renewed Hope Agenda and vigour, the Nigeria Police Force NPF has paraded 63 suspects for violent crimes along Kaduna- Abuja Express way, Kaduna state.
While battling with securing the country, the Ministry embarked on infrastructure upgrade at the Police University, known as Police Academy, Wudil.
The infrastructural upgrade designed to reduce the hardship of students at the Police Academy was geared to improve the quality of training of cadets in the Academy.
It reconstructed and completed 3 nos cadets hostel with furnishing in the Police Academy, Wudil in Kano state, with a capacity of 100 bed space.
Cosntructed drainages and road in the Academy, constructed and furnished enterpreneurship centre at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil to boost skill development of the cadets while on training.
Supplied and installed of Bakery equipment in the Academy, supplied and also installed of Library and office furniture in the academy to improve equipment.
While the tenth point, was setting in motion Strategic shift towards community policing and citizenship engagement so as to assure the citizens with a sense of belonging.
The Nigeria Police Force NPF ecosystem has wholeheartedly adopted community oriented policing, recognizing the role in fostering a safer environment within the country and communities.
Multiple stakeholders engagement through town halls, strengthening of Police Community Relations Committee, amongst others are part of the ongoing efforts towards making our communities safer and secured.
Over the last one year, the Ministry has ensured an enhanced welfare of Police officers across board, through facilitation of the promotion of three thousand and seventy one(3,071), education officers from salary grade level 17-07 in the police education system who have been in arears for more than five years, with the Police Pension Bill undergoing review to improve the welfare of Police officers.
The Ministry launched the “Nigeria Police Veterans Foundation ” to cater for the retired officers and inaugurated the “Nigeria Police Award and Commendations ceremony ” to motivate officers and men of the NPF to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service.
Other progress recorded included the launch of the young and secured project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The new Ministry of Police Affairs also initiated and upgraded along with modernisation of curriculum in all Police Training Institutions (PTI’s) in the country, with the aim of ensuring relevance, effectiveness and best practices.
The Police Public Complaints Committee was strengthened, to address police brutality against the Nigeria public.
It is also working on a draft of National policy document on community policing that would regulate and streamline the activities of all stakeholders as well as set out operational guidelines for effective community policing in Nigeria.
A committee was set up for the development of a National Policing Policy, as it also enhanced collaboration with International Police (INTERPOL), to reduce transnational crimes.
One year down the line, the present leadership under the purview of the two Ministers of Police Affairs and the Permanent Secretary have hitted the ground running towards a virile society.
Combining technocratic and bureaucratic experiences along with political acumen and exposure, no doubt the new Police Affairs Ministry will take its activities to greater heights.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
