NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Security concerns in Nigeria have heightened recently and this is a result of the failures of the instituted law enforcement agencies which are glaringly obvious even to non-observers.

The Nigerian Police have been the standout defaulters and their inefficiency has left much to be desired. I was recently defrauded of some money and was strictly advised against going to the police with my advisers citing reasons such as them potentially complicating the case or even demanding more money from me to enable them do their jobs and some even went as far as giving accounts of their previously failed attempts to put their faith in the police. The fact that the Nigerian people have come to recognize their police force as an instrument of potentially aggravated domestic conflict is as shameful as can be as the police is supposed to be a beacon of justice and hope exemplifying an unwaning commitment to upholding the constitution in executing it's duties of protecting life and property , in the process, disassociating it's activities from controversial situations as corruption and the sort. The Nigerian police however have downplayed the magnitude of corruption and the threat it poses to the justice system and have come to see it and incorporate it as a vital part to the execution of it's duties. The extent of their corruptive acts range from roadside bribery to even false detention of witnesses  not to mention their extreme abuse of several human rights in their crude methods of investigating cases.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were instituted to look into cases of fraud and money laundering but they reject cases of the average Nigerian terming the money involved as been too small. Not everyone transacts in millions and not all fraud cases involve millions. The Federal Road Safety Commission officers allow minor factors as weather conditions come in the way of their executing their duties. All these create room for a chaotic and insecure environment.

I'm not all about criticism though and would proffer a few solutions to enhance the efficiency of the aforementioned law enforcement agencies. Firstly, I understand that these Agencies are made up of individuals and naturally anyone would relent from his duties if he feels incapable in the slightest therefore these officers should be well equipped and backed to ensure they are as positive with their most confident self. The duty of law enforcement is one that can take it's toll on an individuals mind as one is constantly on the edge of either side of the law. I suggest that psychoanalysts or psychologists are recruited to the force and placed at every station to provide the mental balance to enhance efficiency also to obtain probably on a monthly basis reports from all officers of their enforcing activities for that month for independent evaluation which would serve as an indirect auditing of these agencies.

An unforgiving repercussion should be clearly defined and stated as to be meted out to any officer of the law caught engaging in any acts of corruption. Acts of bribery and bigger acts of corruption should all carry the same punishments to show the regard the country holds against all forms of corruption especially when it involves law enforcement officers.