The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed that repentant terrorists and other former criminals will not be recruited into its ranks, as part of efforts to preserve the integrity and professionalism of the force.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Isyaku Mohammed, who oversees the North Central Zone, made the declaration during a stakeholders' meeting with officers and men of the Kwara State Police Command, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions, and other community representatives in Ilorin.
Mohammed urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) not to endorse or recommend individuals with criminal backgrounds for recruitment into any security agency.
According to the DIG, community stakeholders have a responsibility to identify and expose criminals rather than facilitate their entry into the security system through recommendation letters. He stressed that the police would not compromise its recruitment process by admitting individuals who had previously engaged in terrorism or other criminal activities.
Reflecting on his experience in the North-East, Mohammed recalled that while the military had accepted some deradicalised Boko Haram members under the Federal Government's rehabilitation programme, many affected communities were unwilling to accept them back due to the trauma caused by insurgency.
"The only thing we can do is to protect our own territory and ensure that such repentant people do not find their way into the Nigeria Police. We are doing everything possible to ensure that not just repentant criminals, but even other bad elements, do not gain entry into the Force," he said.
The DIG also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had directed all Deputy Inspectors-General to engage stakeholders across their respective zones to assess security challenges and develop practical solutions.
As part of efforts to strengthen security in the North Central region, Mohammed announced plans to inaugurate a joint border patrol covering Kwara State and neighbouring states to combat cross-border crime and improve intelligence gathering. He also advocated community policing, describing it as a vital strategy for crime prevention and urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The statement comes amid renewed national discussions over the rehabilitation and reintegration of former insurgents, with the police maintaining that its recruitment process will remain subject to strict screening and vetting procedures.
