We’re suffering, we’re like prisoners – police officers ‘sent’ to fight unknown gunmen cries out
by Peregba Jerry
It is no news that the Nigeria Police Force is one of the most poorly funded security institutions in Nigeria and world at large. This has led to some personnel in the force to engage in illegal means to take care of their daily needs while waiting for the monthly stipend.
This was the same issue raised when our correspondent spoke with some mobile police officers drafted to Zone 16 command of the police to boost manpower and secure critical infrastructures in the wake of frequent attacks by gunmen.
Speaking to our correspondent, an officer, who crave anonymity said they were drawn from various state and zonal commands to improve the security situation in zone 16 during the ‘unknown gunmen’ attacks in the southeast and some part of SouthSouth regions in May, but alleged that the police hierarchy in the zone has failed to cater for their welfare.
“No care. Since we came here, no food or accommodations for us, we’ve never been taken care of. It’s people (outsiders) that has been giving us food, helping us one way or the other. Since three months now they have not given us anything. It’s not done this way because we are mobile policemen, we’re supposed to be taking care of.
“We started working here since May 15. We were brought from various squadron as was demanded by Southsouth governors for security manpower to try our best and ensure we restore peace in the southsouth because of the issue of the IPOB and unknown gunmen.
Asked if they have laid complaints to their Senior Officers, he said, “That one we don’t even know where we will take this problem to” explaining that “as a law enforcement officer, you cannot just come out and begin to complain, it will be seen as disobedience to authority. We humble ourselves, we’re putting effort to make sure we finish with this official duty and go back to where we come from. Even now, we’re waiting for red signal to stand down and then go back. We’ll be happy if that happens but for now anytime we tell our senior officers, they will ask us to be patient.
“Once or twice, they gave us #10,000 from governor and since then nothing has been done. The situation is very difficult.
He described their condition as common criminals remanded in a prison custody.
“If you see where we’re staying, you will be surprise, even prisoners are better than us. We are just like persons that are remanded in cell. The difference is because we can go out and come in.
“Now in this kind of situation something suddenly happens, we cannot be able to protect our lives and somebody’s life because you have been run down with difficulties; hungry and lack of peace in your mind because of where you find yourself.
While lamenting that the difficult situation has dampen their morale in carrying out their duties effectively, noted that the situation has also turn them to beggars.
He disclosed that due to the precarious condition some officers has fallen sick of malaria. He, however, appealed to the state government and the police hierarchy to look into the situation.
