A former Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Gabriel Achong, has attributed the escalating insecurity in Nigeria to the marginalization of the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.
Expressing concern over the current state of affairs, Achong lamented that the vital role of the police in maintaining internal security has been hijacked by numerous other security agencies, leading to a state of disarray.
Furthermore, he made disturbing allegations, claiming that certain individuals are exploiting the prevailing insecurity for financial gain, perpetuating the nation’s instability for selfish motives.
Addressing the audience at the induction ceremony of 47 new Assistant Superintendents of Police at the Zone 6 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar, Achong sounded the alarm on the unchecked activities of bandits and armed insurgents, capitalizing on the compromised internal security framework.
Achong highlighted the inadequate funding of the Nigeria Police Force, despite its capabilities and responsibilities, as a significant aspect contributing to the prevailing challenges.
“The Nigeria Police suffers from inadequate funding, yet it possesses substantial resources, and is unjustly relegated in the hierarchy of security agencies. This negligence has paved the way for a multitude of security crises, greatly undermining internal security,” Achong articulated.
He elaborated, “Numerous entities are vying to assume the duties of the police, impeding the force from fulfilling its designated responsibilities. The prevalent security concerns in Nigeria are a direct consequence of this encroachment on the police’s domain.
“When the primary responsibility of internal security is restored to the police as intended, the menaces of armed insurgency such as Boko Haram, banditry, and herder-related attacks will undoubtedly recede.
“The marginalization of the police force has created a lucrative enterprise for unscrupulous individuals, perpetuating criminal activities at the expense of national security,” the former CP asserted.
