Nigeria Police Force implements reforms and anti-extortion warnings

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has proposed a 200 per cent gratuity and enhanced pension benefits for retired officers to address longstanding financial challenges within the Nigeria Police Force. The proposal, currently before a presidential committee including representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the National Pension Commission, aims to link pension benefits to officers' last salaries and resolve issues surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme.

In a separate effort to rebuild public trust, the police have issued a stern warning against bribery. The Complaint Response Unit (CRU) stated that both officers who demand money for bail and citizens who pay it face arrest and prosecution, emphasizing that police bail is free of charge. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to discourage extortion and improve community relations.

Additionally, the Inspector-General has ordered the immediate suspension of a six-month induction programme for senior officers who were recently reinstated following a National Industrial Court ruling. Affected officers have been instructed to vacate the Police Staff College in Jos and the National Institute of Police Studies in Abuja immediately.