New recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State, have come forward with serious accusations of being compelled to pay for their own uniforms and essential equipment, items they assert are officially supposed to be issued at no cost.
According to anonymous accounts from several individuals currently in training, the financial pressure to procure multiple sets of uniforms, boots, and jackets has become a significant hardship for them and their families. They claim that while some initial materials are provided, the quality is often so poor that the items wear out within months, necessitating out-of-pocket expenses for replacements to remain in good standing with the program.
The situation garnered public attention after a legal practitioner, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, reported being approached for financial assistance by the mother of a recruit. The woman stated her son required a sum of 250,000 Naira to cover the cost of mandatory kit items. The lawyer expressed concern that imposing such a substantial financial burden on new recruits could foster future corrupt practices once they assume official duties.
In a firm response, the management of the training institution has categorically denied all allegations of extortion. The Commandant, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, stated that all uniforms and kits are procured from Abuja and distributed to recruits free of charge, in strict adherence to established Nigeria Police Force protocols.
ACP Tambuwal questioned the logic of the claims, noting it would be implausible for such activity to occur unnoticed with over 700 recruits present. He assured that any formal allegations would be investigated thoroughly, with appropriate sanctions for any officer found misconducting themselves. Simultaneously, he advised parents to be wary of what he termed "false claims" from their trainees.
0 Comments