We need 190,000 more officers to provide effective security- IGP Egbetokun

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun says the Police Force needs an extra 190,000 personnel to effectively man the country.

IGP Egbetokun said this in a paper presentation to the Senior Executive Course 45 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State.

The Police boss said that insufficient manpower is hindering the agency’s efforts to tackle crime, noting that while the United Nations recommended a ratio of 1 police officer to 460 citizens, Nigeria has a police-citizen ratio of 1-650.

#PhotoNews | IGP Kayode A. Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, embarked on an official tour to National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, where he delivered a paper presentation, Titled : Industrialization, Energy Security, Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation, on… pic.twitter.com/lqgOnjoxxH

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) August 31, 2023

IGP Egbetokun said due to the disparity, “Therefore, the NPF requires an additional 190,000 personnel to be at parity with the United Nations recommended ratio.”

The police chief noted that if the country is not well-policed, the government’s industrialization drive would become unrealistic.

“Therefore, the inadequate manpower, which has resulted in a low police presence, could hinder the government’s industrialization efforts”. 

“Without sufficient police presence and response capabilities, industrial sites could become vulnerable to  criminal activities and hamper economic progress.”