Former Deputy Commander-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, has called for sweeping reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, insisting that no police division should operate with fewer than 20 operational vehicles to effectively tackle crime.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the retired deputy commandant stressed that adequate logistics remain fundamental to combating crime within every division’s jurisdiction. Beyond patrol vehicles, he advocated for motorcycle, bicycle and foot patrols to enhance security coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Momodu urged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to prioritise full implementation of the amended Police Act, describing it as essential to repositioning the Force for efficiency and improved service delivery.
He argued that divisions and state commands must be adequately equipped and supported by government, noting that improved welfare is equally critical. According to him, officers should be provided with sufficient uniforms, footwear and modern communication equipment to ensure professionalism and seamless information flow between divisional stations and state command headquarters.
The former NDLEA chief also advocated intelligence-led policing, warning that reliance on static checkpoints and routine “show of force” operations has limited impact. He said targeted intelligence gathering would enable officers to identify and apprehend criminals more effectively, rather than depending on random searches.
Congratulating Disu on his appointment, Momodu described him as a determined leader capable of transforming the Force into a more professional and people-friendly institution. However, he stressed that tangible reforms would be the ultimate measure of success.
He referenced Section 20 of the Police Act, which provides that police officers should not earn less than other better-paid law enforcement agencies in the country, and urged its urgent implementation.
On the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties, Momodu recommended activating provisions of the Act that allow for the establishment of specialised “spy police” units to guard premises and VIPs. He explained that organisations requesting such services are expected to bear the costs of recruitment, training and salaries, thereby reducing government expenditure while creating employment opportunities.
He added that thousands of personnel previously attached to VIP protection could be redeployed under this framework, supporting the Federal Government’s cost management efforts.
Momodu also called for the activation of provisions relating to special constables to bridge policing gaps in underserved areas. He advised the Acting Inspector-General to obtain an executive summary of the Police Act from the Force’s legal department to ensure comprehensive implementation.
Additionally, he urged the reactivation of police call centres across state capitals to enable citizens promptly report security threats, as well as the inauguration of community policing committees at local government and state levels.
He concluded by calling for the renovation of divisional police stations nationwide, stressing that adequate vehicles and improved infrastructure are indispensable for the police to effectively fulfil their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
