Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated an investigation to uncover the source of recent revelations about inadequate funding and systemic corruption within the Nigeria Police Force.
A divisional police officer (DPO) had recently disclosed to SaharaReporters that many police divisions across Nigeria operate on limited quarterly budgets, reportedly ranging between N15,000 and N30,000. The DPO claimed that such minimal funding fosters an environment for corruption, as officers face pressure to seek alternative funding to meet their operational needs.
The DPO further alleged that many police divisions receive no official budget at all, as they are unrecognized by Force Headquarters and thus left out of budgetary considerations. He suggested that corruption within the Force is difficult to eliminate, with most stations sustained through unofficial means.
However, Force spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi countered these claims, describing them as “misleading and inaccurate.” In a statement issued Friday, Adejobi asserted that no divisional officer would make such remarks, labeling the report as a calculated attempt to undermine the Force. He insisted that Divisional Headquarters receive statutory funding from federal allocations and additional support from state governments, contradicting the allegations of a lack of official funding.
The statement reads: “Contrary to claims that divisional headquarters receive no budget and rely solely on unofficial funds like bail payments, the Police Authority affirms that divisional officers are provided statutory funding through federal allocations and, in some cases, with added support from their respective state governments.”
The Inspector General of Police has ordered a thorough investigation to identify those behind this information leak. While acknowledging funding challenges within the Force, Adejobi highlighted that recent government efforts are working toward improved financing for better policing capacity and effectiveness. He added that there have been notable improvements in funding, with more anticipated in the coming year.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to transparency and warned against deliberate attempts to damage its reputation, stressing that it will not tolerate malicious actions aimed at discrediting the institution or its officers who work tirelessly to secure the nation.
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