In a significant move to combat insecurity in Nigeria, constables in the Nigeria Police Force have been granted permission to carry firearms.
This new policy aims to empower constables in their fight against rising crime across the country.
However, before they are certified to carry arms, these constables must undergo a two-week training program.
The training will be conducted by Nigeria’s Special Protection Unit (SPU), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), or the Mobile Police Base.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 7 in Abuja, Benneth C. Igweh, announced this decision during an official visit to Niger State on Thursday.
“Community policing is everyone’s responsibility,” Igweh said. “We have therefore granted all police constables the authority to carry arms from now on.”
Igweh explained that the upcoming training would help constables be better equipped to perform their duties.
He stressed the importance of this step in strengthening the force’s ability to respond to crimes in Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities.
The Assistant Inspector General noted that the move was essential, given the growing challenges of insecurity nationwide.
“Constables will undergo two weeks of training with SPU, CTU, or the Mobile Police Base to better equip them for their duties,” Igweh added.
The AIG also urged communities to join hands with the police to fight crime.
He emphasized the role of community support in policing, saying, “With the rise in crime across various communities, everyone now has the right to make arrests.”
“If you see something, say something,” Igweh advised, encouraging people to report any suspicious activities.
He assured the public that the police and community cooperation would be a powerful tool in tackling crime.
In addition to the new firearms policy, Igweh announced plans to boost the police force by recruiting more officers.
This recruitment initiative, he explained, has been approved by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and will include additional slots for Niger State and Abuja.
The recruitment aims to strengthen national security and give the police force additional manpower to cover areas affected by insecurity.
During his visit, the AIG was joined by Niger State’s Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman.
Dammamman thanked the AIG for his visit and said the new measures would boost community policing in Niger State.
He praised the efforts made to reduce insecurity in the state, crediting them to recent crime prevention strategies.
Dammamman acknowledged the progress in combating crime but also admitted that challenges remain.
“Despite our efforts, issues like insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and farmers/herders clashes still persist in certain areas,” he stated.
He specifically pointed out Munya, Mariga, Rafi, Shiroro, and parts of Kontagora as areas that are still struggling with security issues.
These locations, he explained, face unique challenges because they are close to the borders of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states, which are often hotspots for criminal activity.
However, Dammamman assured residents that the police force was committed to restoring peace in these affected areas.
He expressed confidence that the security situation would soon improve.
