Nigerian Police Colleges graduate 18,357 constables

No fewer than 18,357 constables yesterday graduated simultaneously from the seven Nigerian Police Colleges nationwide, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

In the history of police training, the constables were trained for a period of 13 months, against six months in the past.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General (Training), Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, noted that the training was to enshrine effectiveness and efficient service delivery.

“All of you came into these colleges and training schools as fresh recruits without basic knowledge of police duties.

“You are leaving as trained police constables and you will be deployed to the field to serve.

“I implore you as trained policemen and women to be diligent, mentally and professionally prepared to surmount these challenges. In doing this, our primary and sacred function of protection of life and property must not be compromised.

“You are to take cognisance of the fundamental human rights of every citizen, which must not be infringed upon so as to gain the confidence of members of the public.

“You must also eschew every form of corruption in the performance of your duties, “ Abubakar said.

The Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, Commissioner of Police, Irimiya Yerima, said that two officers died during the training.

“As training progressed, 69 recruits disengaged from the training, 61 were dismissed for gross disciplinary offences, six recruits left for Police Academy, Kano for Cadet Inspectorate training while two died.”