The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the need to increase the workforce of the police in the country.
While addressing personnel of the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday, he said his administration would also look into the welfare of policemen in the country.
Egbetokun, who was on a one-day working visit to the command, lamented that he was aware of the work condition of personnel of the Force, adding that an average policeman does the job of two people.
He however said that an increase in the manpower would be gradual as President Bola Tinubu had recently approved an increase in the yearly recruitment of the Force.
“We’re paying attention to manpower. I know there’s a shortage of manpower in the command. I know the stress that I went through while as CP in making sure that the job was done. I know one policeman does the job of two policemen.
“A policeman would close from night duty and resume for morning duty, and as he’s closing from morning duty, he’s resuming night duty. When he dozes off in public, his photograph is taken and posted and made an object of ridicule; I’m aware of all these,” he said.
“We’re making efforts to increase your strength. The President had recently given approval for a yearly recruitment into the police; that’s the way forward. We need to double the strength of the police in the country.
“We cannot do it overnight, but gradually, and gradually we’ll get there. We’ll also emphasise training to achieve a professionally competent Police Force.
“We’re also looking into welfare in the increase in salary and other areas to improve the lives of officers, just as equipping the Police Force is a priority. We promise to take care of the insurance plan too,” the IG added.
Egbetokun, who said he had an interesting time while in Kwara as the Commissioner of Police, said he was aware of their sacrifices to make Kwara peaceful, their exploits, arrest, convictions, breakthrough, and recovery of arms.
During a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, the IG described his visit as a homecoming, while appreciating the monarch for his support and assistance during his service in Kwara from 2019 to 2020.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, requested the supply of an armoured personnel carrier to further enhance the security of banks and improve crime-fighting capacity.
