Former IGP calls for overhaul of NPF, other internal security to combat instability

Former Inspector-General of Police Dr Solomon Arase has proposed that the Nigeria Police Force and internal security architecture be overhauled to combat instability in the nation.

He also expressed concern about the danger that technological advancements pose to the nation’s internal security.

Dr Arase, who spoke at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations’ South-South Citizen Summit for National Integration, Peace, and Security in Port Harcourt, said the military’s long intervention in governance had left the police underdeveloped and ill-equipped.

He said that opening a dialogue to discuss people’s differences and diversities would help foster peace.

The ex-IGP, represented by retired AIG Patrick Dokumo, cited kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism, and the proliferation of weaponry by unauthorised individuals as key security risks in the country.

“The pursuit of limited resources, power, and control has led to terrorism and insecurity across the country. Lack of religious and ideological tolerance has also led to mass killings, destruction of public properties across the country.

“The political class has also contributed in no small measures to insecurity across the country. Failure to provide employment to our teeming youths in the country, which has led many of them to take to crime.

“The possibility of national integration is not bleak. There must be open dialogue and discussion for national unity. The discussion should be targeted towards national integration, coherence and unity,” he said.