The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified the recruitment of “repentant thugs” in Kano State, stating that they were hired to fight crime in the state. The recruitment of about fifty repentant thugs into the Kano State command of the force had sparked controversy among Nigerians who questioned the decision of the authorities to recruit such individuals into the force.
In a statement released by the spokesperson of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, in Abuja, it was explained that the “repentant criminals” were recruited as police constables because they had realized that crime doesn’t pay. Ani added that their engagement was primarily for visibility and to promote sustainable peace, economic growth, and development in the state. He further stated that they had received adequate training on the policing system in the country.
Ani clarified that the special constabulary were not policemen and that they were not recognized by the commission and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, the PSC would continue to recruit such individuals since the Police Act captured that. He added that the constabulary operations were covered and recognized by the Police Act and were readily useful, especially in the fight against crime.
The chairman of the commission, Solomon Arase, was quoted as saying that security is not only a government responsibility but also that of every Nigerian. He called for a citizen-based approach to security in Nigeria.