Niger has just 4,000 police officers, says governor

Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, says the number of police officers in the state leaves a lot to be desired.

Speaking during a visit of national assembly members to the state, Bello said there are “just about four thousand” officers in Niger, hence the challenges in ensuring effective security.

His comment is coming in the wake of the recent abduction of passengers of a Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA) bus and students and teachers of Government Science College, Kagara.

Bello called on the national assembly and the federal government to recruit more security personnel to address the shortage of manpower.

He noted that the security agencies had been overstretched, with insufficient surveillance equipment to manage security challenges.

“We have been making all efforts to ensure insecurity is curtailed but it’s being extremely difficult mostly because of manpower shortage and lack of equipment.

“The strength of the Police force in Niger State is just about four thousand. It used to be 14,000 for the state alone,” he said.

“So, you can see the police is overstretched and I believe it is the same with the military.”

Bello called for a collective effort between the national assembly members and the state government to make the federal government expedite action towards the recruitment of more security agents.

He said: “So, I hope the national assembly will support the federal government when it comes to statutory budgetary provision that will provide for the equipment.”

The governor added that the visit would further strengthen the relationship and unity between the state government and members of the national assembly.

He said his government was working towards securing the release of students of Government Science College Kagara.