The Nigeria Police Force has ruled out recruiting repentant terrorists or other reformed criminals into its ranks, urging community leaders to help prevent such individuals from entering the security agency.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Isyaku Mohammed, made the position known during a stakeholders’ meeting with officers and men of the Kwara State Police Command, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions and other stakeholders in Ilorin.
Mohammed appealed to traditional rulers, community heads, religious leaders and Divisional Police Officers not to endorse recommendation letters for individuals with criminal backgrounds seeking to join the police.
He said although the military had, under a Federal Government programme, accepted and rehabilitated some former Boko Haram members before reintegrating them into society, the police would not admit such persons into the Nigeria Police Force.
Recalling his experience while serving in the North-East, the DIG said many communities opposed the return of rehabilitated insurgents, arguing that victims of their attacks had not received similar support.
He stressed that while the police could not interfere with the Federal Government’s deradicalisation policy, it would ensure that repentant terrorists and other criminals were not recruited into the force.
Mohammed urged stakeholders to identify and expose individuals with criminal records instead of recommending them for employment in security agencies, warning that communities would bear the consequences if unsuitable recruits were allowed into the police.
The DIG also announced plans to inaugurate a joint border patrol to strengthen security across Kwara State’s borders with Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Niger states and the Republic of Benin.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at curbing cross-border crimes and preventing criminals from exploiting border routes.
Mohammed said the Inspector-General of Police had directed all Deputy Inspectors General to visit states within their zones to engage stakeholders, assess security challenges and identify practical solutions.
He also advocated community policing as a key crime prevention strategy, emphasising the importance of local ownership of security efforts, timely intelligence sharing and youth engagement to improve public safety.