From Ardo Abdul
The Bauchi State Police Command has refuted a recent reports by some Media alleging that police recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State, are being coerced into paying as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and other necessary equipment that should be provided at no cost. Some recruits, speaking anonymously, have described this financial obligation as an onerous burden for themselves and their families.
According to Daily Trust, a legal practitioner, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, raised concerns after being approached by a woman seeking financial assistance for her son, who is currently undergoing police training at the institution above.
Barrister Ishaq stated, “I was in my office when a woman I had previously assisted approached me. She indicated that her son, who was on training, had called to request N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and jackets. She earnestly requested my assistance. When I contacted the young man, he confirmed that the funds were intended for those items. As we discussed, I was taken aback.”
In a Press statement issued by the Command ‘s spokesman Csp Ahmed Muhammad Wakil says the Commandant of the Bauchi Police Training School, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, has since dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
“If such occurrences exist, I am unaware of them. However, it is not true that recruits are required to pay for their uniforms and kits. All trainees receive their uniforms and meals free of charge. We provide three square meals daily, and the uniforms are transported from Abuja to Bauchi and issued without payment,” he stated.
ACP Tambuwal further noted that with over 700 recruits currently on training, it would be logically impossible for him or his officers to extort such a substantial amount.
The Bauchi State Police Command firmly contends that the allegations of extortion at the Police Training School are unsubstantiated, misleading, and represent an attempt to discredit the esteemed leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. Under the exemplary guidance of the 46th Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+), mni, the Command has upheld a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices, as evidenced by decades of integrity within the Police Training School.
The Command urges the public to exercise caution regarding misinformation and disinformation proliferated through various media outlets. Such distortions may infringe upon the established regulations of our institution and the broader nation. Furthermore, individuals are advised to verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it.
Members of the media are encouraged to uphold professional standards in the execution of their critical responsibilities.
In conclusion, the Commissioner of Police has established an investigative panel to thoroughly examine the allegations involving the institution’s staff and trainees; moreover, he warned that any officer found guilty of extortion will face necessary disciplinary measures.
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