Sam Philip
For effective internal security of Nigeria, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sunday Ehindero, has called for restructuring of the security architecture of the federation.
He also emphasised on the need to prioritise the Police as the principal agency in charge of operations within the nation’s territory.
The ex-Super cop gave the advice while speaking at the 20th anniversary and 16th Passing-Out Parade of the Police Secondary School in Ondo State at the weekend.
Ehindero, who was instrumental to the establishment of the school while in office as the nation’s Inspector General of Police(IGP), noted that it’s high time the visibility of the military in domestic security matters is reduced
He advised that the Police Mobile Force should be deployed to wherever the military is being currently deployed to in tackling internal security challenges.
According to him, the deployment of military for routine internal security operations undermined the police’s constitutional role, and, to some extent, had created over-reliance on the armed forces.
However, the former IGP emphasized that the military should be allowed to perform its primary role of safeguarding the federation’s territorial lines from infiltration by terrorists and other external aggressions.
Moreover, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government’s strides in combating various crimes in the country.
He assured that more structured approach would enhance the efficiency of the security agencies in tackling the ongoing security challenges in the federation..
Ehindero said: “Arrests had been made by police, and arms and ammunition were recovered from criminals after the Benue and Plateau incursions by bandits.
“Our Armed Forces are bombarding terrorists at our borders, making way for reduced crimes in internal security. These are commendable efforts.
“However, there is the need to rejig our security architecture to ensure the police, properly so called, is the dominant security agent in internal security.
“The security architecture of this country has to be reassessed with a view to changing it. Let the Police Mobile Force replace the military in internal security as canvassed for by the Plateau State Governor.
“The military should concentrate at our borders to prevent terrorists from entering the country,” the former IGP stated.”
Congratulating the graduating students of the Police Secondary school, the former IGP urged then to be good ambassadors of the school.
He expressed his displeasure about the discouraging dispositions of successive governors in Ondo State towards the development of federal institutions located in different parts of the state.
Ehindero said: “But I am aware of the contributions of His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Agagu, of blessed memory, to the development of the school.
“He not only purchased a generator for the school, but also renovated a number of classrooms. I urge our Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to show interest not only in the development of this school but also the Police Training School, Oyin-Akoko.
“The beneficiaries of the location of these institutions in Ondo State are the indigenes of Ondo State and those in the catchment area. Police Training School Oyin trains personnel from Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, and Ondo states.”
In his address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, said: “Since its inception, it has grown significantly, expanding from a few schools to a network of primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.
“This growth reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring access to holistic education that prepares pupils for leadership and societal contributions.
“However, the initiative has faced challenges, including inadequate funding, infrastructural deficits, and the need to align curricula with modern educational standards. Despite these hurdles, successes include producing graduates who excel academically and professionally, contributing to various sectors, and fostering a culture of discipline and patriotism.”
The Commandant of the Police Secondary school, Arike Ayodele, commended the IGP for his support towards the school, urging the graduating students to always endeavour to portray the school in a positive light.
Meanwhile, an ex-student of the school, Afrobeat star, Michael Adebayo, popularly known as Ruger, donated 50 units of computer laptops to his Alma Mater.
He also awarded scholarship to a student of the school.