The Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force have agreed to set up joint committees to resolve operational differences between the two agencies.

This is contained in a statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, spokesman for the PSC.

He said the agreement was reached when the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited PSC chair Solomon Arase.

The two agencies, Mr Ani said, agreed to set up a recruitment board that would include all the strategic stakeholders in future police recruitment exercises.

He said the two agencies’ leaders pledged that the welfare of police officers would be paramount henceforth. According to him, the two leaders have also decided to work jointly to ensure discipline issues are handled expeditiously.

He said the decision ensured that those found wanting were adequately punished while those found innocent were freed to continue their career progression.

“They also agreed to ensure that Police Promotions are prompt and based on merit, seniority and availability of vacancy,” he said.

Mr Ani said the PSC boss had pledged to continue collaborating with the acting IG to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the police.

In 2022, a fresh cold war existed between the police and the PSC over recruiting police constables. Following an announcement by the PSC calling for applications by suitable persons into the force to serve as constables, the NPF issued a statement signed by the then Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, informing “well-meaning members of the public” that it had not commenced the 2022 constables’ recruitment exercise.

The police similarly stated unequivocally that the advert had no connection with the force, nor was it in tandem with the police recruitment process.

Following the police’s reaction, Mr Ani told journalists that the PSC had taken note of the police’s publication concerning the 2022 constable recruitment exercise.

He expressed the PSC’s belief that all contending issues between the two parties would be resolved in the nation’s interest. He advised all interested applicants and other Nigerians desirous of a police career to exercise patience. 

(NAN)