Police Break Silence On Alleged Recruitment Of Repentant Terrorists

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that it intends to recruit repentant terrorists into its ranks, reaffirming that individuals with criminal backgrounds will not be admitted into the force.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The clarification was made by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Central Zone, Isyaku Mohammed, during a stakeholders’ engagement with officers of the Kwara State Police Command, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions, and other community representatives in Ilorin.

Speaking at the meeting, the senior police officer urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious figures, and security stakeholders to refrain from endorsing individuals with questionable records through recommendation letters. He stressed the importance of exposing criminals rather than helping them gain access to public institutions, warning that those who recommend such individuals would share responsibility for any consequences arising from their actions.

The DIG explained that while the Federal Government operates a deradicalisation programme for former Boko Haram members, the initiative does not extend to recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force. Drawing from his experience serving in Nigeria’s North-East, he recalled that many communities resisted accepting rehabilitated insurgents, citing the pain and losses inflicted by their past actions.

According to the police chief, the force remains committed to ensuring that neither repentant criminals nor individuals with questionable character are admitted into its ranks. He appealed to community leaders to assist security agencies by identifying and exposing such persons instead of facilitating their entry into the police.

His remarks come amid widespread reports alleging that about 40 repentant Boko Haram members had been shortlisted for the Nigerian Army’s 91st Regular Recruits Intake, a development that has generated public debate.

Mohammed also disclosed that the police would soon inaugurate a joint border patrol across Kwara State to strengthen security and curb criminal activities along its boundaries with Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Niger states, and the Republic of Benin.

He further revealed that the Inspector General of Police had directed all Deputy Inspectors General to tour states within their respective zones to engage stakeholders, assess security challenges firsthand, and recommend practical solutions to improve policing and public safety.

The DIG reiterated that community policing remains a key strategy in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, emphasizing that collaboration between security agencies and local communities is essential to combating crime effectively.