Former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to years of inadequate funding, poor manpower, and insufficient equipment in the Nigeria Police Force, warning that the situation will persist unless urgent reforms are prioritised.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Okiro said the police, as the lead agency responsible for internal security, have suffered prolonged neglect, leaving them unable to effectively confront banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal threats.
He stressed that underfunding remains a major challenge, noting that the federal government has multiple responsibilities, but the neglect of the police has contributed significantly to the current security situation in the country.
Recalling his time in office, the former police chief said he had written to former President Goodluck Jonathan to highlight the shortage of manpower in the force, adding that several police stations were closed due to lack of personnel while many qualified young Nigerians remained unemployed.
Okiro also addressed the ongoing debate on state police, saying he had previously opposed the idea but has since changed his position due to the growing complexity of security challenges and the limitations of a centrally controlled policing system. He noted that governors are better placed to understand security issues within their states but warned that strong legal safeguards and checks must be put in place to prevent abuse.
He further urged the federal government to adopt new strategies, including engaging external expertise where necessary, and called for increased investment in recruitment, training, welfare, and modern equipment for the police. Okiro warned that insecurity poses a serious threat to economic development, stressing that investors will avoid environments where safety is not guaranteed.
Elijah Adeyemi
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