Nigeria Police Confirms ‘Mutiny’ Among Rank And File; IGP Approves Payment Of New Salary

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police has confirmed that there are, actually, grumblings among the rank and file of its work- force over delay in implementation of new salary adjustments and other issues bordering on welfare.

The Inspector GeneralofPolic, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has, therefore, ordered the immediate commencement of financial adjustments in line with the new salary structure.

A Police circular released on March 15, 2022 ordered Heads of Departments and State Commissioners of Police to sensitise their officers on why they should not go on strike.

Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had earlier debunked the planned strike describing it as the handiwork of some disgruntled elements.

The signal added that “Intelligence reports available to the Inspector General of Police indicate that some members of the rank and file are intending to embark on strike over non-payment of the new Police Salary Structure, and failure in providing sophisticated weapons to fight crime and poor general welfare of policemen.

“Note that Inspector General of Police has directed the immediate computation of salary under the new salary structure, tax relief/exemption for officers and men for immediate implementation.

“Distribution of kits and other accoutrements have been initiated with Force Headquarters already concluded.”

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a news making the rounds on social media alleging that some members of the Force will be embarking on a strike action with effect from March 26, 2022.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state unequivocally that the alleged publication is fake and a mischievous attempt by unprincipled individuals to bring the Force to disrepute, misinform the general public and heat up the polity.

“It is applicable to restate that the Nigeria Police Force is a regimented and disciplined organization with laid down rules and guidelines for addressing grievances and in no circumstance is a strike action one of such means.

“The men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are fully aware that a strike action or other deliberate disruption of law enforcement services by any security organization is rebellious and the personnel of the Force would not degenerate at any point to that level of disloyalty and indiscipline, as policing services are paramount and essential in the maintenance of orderliness and peace in the nation.

“It is applicable to emphasize that the IGP is accelerating efforts to ensure the full implementation of the increment of salaries and allowances proposed by the President and approved by the Federal Executive Council.

“It is important to accentuate that it was the President’s initiative without any demand from the Police to direct the process of increasing salaries and allowances.

“The Federal Government is, therefore, fully committed to the implementation of the new salary package.

“Since that approval, the Salaries and Wages Commission has issued an implementation circular, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs and the IGP have been working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to ensure the stoppage of tax deductions as directed by the President and approved by the Federal Executive Council.

“Similarly, the Inspector General of Police reiterates that police officers under his leadership are well motivated with the ongoing reforms, especially the provision of kits, accoutrements, body armor, the cooperative society’s housing scheme, the renovation of training schools, upgrade of police training curriculum, procurement and deployment of technology to boost ICT-driven policing.”