The Nigeria Police Force has warned against the recruitment of repentant criminals into security agencies, urging community leaders to help prevent such individuals from entering the system.
The call was made by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Isyaku Mohammed, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin with police personnel, traditional rulers, religious leaders and transport union representatives in Kwara State.
Mohammed urged traditional rulers, community leaders and Divisional Police Officers not to endorse individuals with criminal backgrounds seeking employment in security agencies.
“We will not allow repented criminals or known bad elements to find their way into the Nigeria Police”, he said.
The DIG recalled his experience in the North-East, where some deradicalised Boko Haram members were reintegrated into society, noting that many communities were reluctant to accept them despite official assurances.
According to him, stakeholders have a responsibility to identify and expose individuals with criminal histories rather than recommending them for recruitment.
“If you sign for them and they are recruited, they will eventually be sent back to your communities to police you. You will have to live with the consequences”, he warned.
Mohammed reaffirmed the police leadership’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the force and ensuring that only qualified and law-abiding individuals are recruited.
