The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the merger of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) with the police to improve effectiveness.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on State Policing organized by the House of Representatives on Monday, Egbetokun argued that the NSCDC and FRSC were duplicating the work of the police and that a merger would streamline resources and enhance performance.
The IG of police also expressed reservations about the call for state police, citing concerns about state governors potentially using it to suppress opposition and the challenges of jurisdiction and conflicts of interest.
Egbetokun highlighted the need for improved training and funding to enable modern policing and maintain internal security, particularly in the face of rising security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
The Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, echoed the need for a comprehensive and effective security framework to tackle the country’s security challenges.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a shared commitment to the common good in developing policies and strategies to enhance the security infrastructure of Nigeria.
The dialogue, themed “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria,” brought together stakeholders to explore ways to reform and improve the country’s policing system.
