Lagos CP seeks decentralisation of police administration

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, says the absence of sustainable logistics and over centralisation of police administration has impacted negatively on the ability of the police to meet set goals.
Manko made the remark in Lagos at an interview with NAN as he reflected on police activities between the country’s independence 52 years ago and their operations today.
He said the Nigeria Police Force has changed from what it used to be after independence and suggested a return to the recent past, where most police stations and divisional police officers (DPOs) provided the needs of his men and officers.

Lagos CP, Umar Manko.

Manko argued also that making divisional police stations accountable would increase the man-hour committed in managing national security challenges.
He acknowledged that various changes were being effected by the police administrations over the years to change the face of the force for the better, enhance its operational performance and shore up its public image and confidence.
The commissioner said that in spite of the changes, the current Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar’s radical approach towards attitudinal change in the force has restored confidence among the officers and men.
“The situation we found ourselves today is a complete departure from what it used to be.”
Manko identified funding as a major challenge of the police which makes it difficult for the organisation to meet its constitutional responsibilities. NAN