Nigeria Police deny recruiting 'repentant terrorists'

Nigeria's Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for Logistics and the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has firmly dismissed claims that individuals undergoing deradicalization programs are being absorbed into the Nigeria Police Force. Addressing journalists during a security engagement in Umuahia, Abia State, Onwuemelie emphasized that police recruitment adheres strictly to established procedures, involving comprehensive screening and vetting of all applicants. "There is a system of recruiting into the police. We make announcements, screen applicants, and recruit qualified persons," he stated, adding, "I am not aware of any deradicalised person being automatically integrated into the police service."

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police recruitment follows established procedures, including screening and vetting of applicants.

DIG Onwuemelie, who is currently on an operational tour of police commands in the South-East on the directive of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, explained that the exercise aims to assess security challenges, engage stakeholders, and obtain feedback to enhance policing and security delivery. He noted that all DIGs overseeing the country's geopolitical zones are mandated to spend two weeks in their regions for similar strategic assessments. "The Inspector-General is concerned about security across the country and has directed us to conduct strategic assessments of the security situation in our zones, engage stakeholders and obtain honest feedback from the people so we can improve policing and security delivery," he said.

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I am not aware of any deradicalised person being automatically integrated into the police service.

Responding to concerns about delayed responses to distress calls in Abia State, Onwuemelie assured residents that these complaints have been noted and will be reviewed to identify and address operational gaps. He also cautioned against generalizing criminality to specific occupations, stating that herders committing crimes should be treated as criminals, separate from their legitimate livelihood. The DIG urged for stronger community-police collaboration, highlighting the critical role of timely information from residents in preventing crime and violence, and called on community leaders to help resolve disputes before they escalate.

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The Inspector-General is concerned about security across the country and has directed us to conduct strategic assessments of the security situation in our zones, engage stakeholders and obtain honest feedback from the people so we can improve policing and security delivery.