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The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, has described the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as the best police in Africa.
“There is no perfection anywhere in the world. Even in the United States, Europe, and Asian countries, they still have things to balance. I keep on saying it, the Nigerian police force is the best across Africa. In every mission we go on, we become the best,” said Jimoh.
“But at home, you come with a lot of things that are ven supposed to be your own lapses, and you heap it on the police force.”
Moshood made this remark in response to comments about peculiarities associated with the NPF on News Central’s show, A Place At The Table, on Thursday, and against the backdrop of public criticism of Nigerian police operatives.
The NPF has long faced complaints about inadequate funding, which affects the salaries of police operatives, the conditions of police barracks, and operational logistics such as fuel and patrol vehicles. Many Nigerians have complained of being asked to report crimes at police stations and being asked to purchase fuel for police vans or pay to facilitate investigations.
Corruption allegations also mar the force as police operatives have reportedly extorted Nigerians request bribery, and requesting cash for bail despite the “bail is free” policy.
Earlier on the show, a retired Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the Nigeria Police Force is a victim of Nigeria’s deteriorating infrastructure and described the challenges inherent in Nigeria’s policing as personal rather than institutional. According to Owoseni, the NPF is a victim of systemic failures and carries the burden of society.
Responding to Owoseni, the Lagos Commissioner of Police said that policing has improved in Nigeria.
“I beg to differ with my senior colleague. Things have changed for the better, especially in Lagos. In responding to distress, we are there in five minutes. Despite public resentment and embarrassment, the culture of the people determines how you police them. In the shortest possible time,” said Jimoh.
There is a growing lack of trust in the police due to the numerous irregularities that mar the force. The Lagos Commissioner of Police said that despite these criticisms and the negative perception Nigerians have of the police, police operatives remain committed to discharging their duties and protecting lives and property.
“When you go out, you will still see that police officers remain committed to ensuring there is safety and protection for all Lagosians,” said Jimoh.
