The Nigerian Police Force has vehemently dismissed claims made by Ecos Intelligence regarding the allocation of only N15,000 to Divisional Police Officers for their administrative and operational expenses over a three-month period.
The allegations, which have sparked concerns about corruption within the force, were described as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement released on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has initiated an immediate investigation to identify the sources of what he termed “deliberate misinformation.”
He asserted that the allegations made in the article are unfounded and represent an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the police force.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to debunk the recent disparaging article titled: Nigeria Police Force Faces Funding Scandal: N15,000 Allocation for 3 Months Sparks Corruption Concerns, published by Ecos Intelligence,” Adejobi stated. “The article contains inaccuracies, as no legitimate Divisional Police Officer of the Nigeria Police Force would provide such misleading information without basis.”
The police headquarters clarified that contrary to the article’s claims, DPOs do receive funding from federal allocations, which is further supplemented by contributions from their respective state governments.
The assertion that DPOs must rely solely on unofficial sources, such as bail payments, is seen as an effort to undermine the integrity of the police authority.
Adejobi’s statement underlined the Inspector General’s directive for an investigation, reinforcing the police’s commitment to transparency and its firm stance against baseless accusations.
He acknowledged that while funding challenges have persisted, the current government has made significant strides in addressing these issues, with more improvements anticipated in the upcoming year.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency in discharging its duties,” the statement continued. “We caution those attempting to malign the force’s progress and discourage efforts that disparage the dedication of officers who work tirelessly to secure our nation.”
The police’s response highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain integrity within the force and reassure the public of their commitment to addressing any financial challenges responsibly.
