Following the backlash from some Nigerians over the recruitment of ‘repentant thugs’ as Police Constables in Kano State, the Police Service Commission (PSC) while justifying the move said the officers were drafted into the force because they had realised that crimes do not pay.
The PSC made this known on Thursday in a statement by its spokesman Ikechukwu Ani.
According to Ani, the Special Constabulary are not policemen but noted that their services are needed at a time the nation is fighting insecurity in the country.
“The Commission wishes to state categorically that the Special Constabulary are not Police men and not recognised as such by the Commission and Government,” he said.
He further stated that, “The Commission however notes that the Constabulary operations are covered and recognised by the Police Act and are readily useful and needed now that the nation is fighting to end the siege of criminals across the country.”
According to him, the commission is in communication with the Kano State Police Command and is aware that the purpose of the Constabulary is to assist the Police in creating a state free of criminal activity.
He said it is imperative to clarify that the men and women hired as Special Constabulary are assigned to work in their community, where their superior position will enable them to track down the criminals causing fear and panic.
“Some of the repentant influential youths previously used in the past as political thugs and abandoned have realised that crime does not pay and have voluntarily offered themselves to assist fight for a crime free state,” he explained.
“The Commission is also aware that the Kano Special Constabulary has received adequate training and are working in their Local Government areas as required by law but under strict supervision of the State Police Command.”
Ani stated that the PSC Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, will continue to work with the police to ensure improved security of lives and property in the nation, noting that their engagement is to promote sustainable peace, economic growth, and development of the state.
The retired Inspector General of Police Arase called for a citizen-based approach to security in Nigeria, stating that security is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every Nigerian.
