By Yakubu Sheidu Mujahideen
The Nigeria police force (NFP), has a rich history that dates back to 1820, it is a principal law enforcement agency in the country.
It had its origin in Lagos following the creation of 30-man consular guard in 1861.
The small guard was subsequently expanded to 600 men in 1891, and then renamed “Hausa police ” because of the enlistment of some captured run-away Hausa slaves at Jebba by Lt. Glover R.N. Again in 1879, the Hausa police was further enlarged by the “Hausa constabulary” it then consisted of 1,200 officers and men commanded by an inspector general of police.
The duties of the Hausa constabulary entailed attending to security needs of the colonial administration which encompassed both military and civil police functions.
It however, was largely military in character and posture, one of such military duties was the provision of a detachment of 8 officers and 51 men for the Arochukwu expedition.
On January 1, 1896, the Lagos police force was established by the Lagos police force was established by the Hausa constabulary, the force was armed and consisted of a commissioner of police, Assistant commissioner, Superintendent, Assistant superintendent, pay master, Quarter master, and 250 other ranks the force operated mainly in the Lagos area, while the Hausa constabulary was in the hinterland.
A similar force, the Niger coast constabulary was formed in calabar in 1894 under the newly proclaimed Niger coast protectorate, it was modeled after the Hausa constabulary role. During its six years of existence, the force mainly engaged in active service and formed part of the major expedition against Benin in 1896.
When the protectorate of northern and southern Nigeria were proclaimed in the early 1900’s part of royal Niger constabulary became the northern Nigeria police and part of the Niger coast constabulary became the southern Nigeria police.
During the colonial period, most police were associated with local Government, however, in the 1960’s under the first republic, these forces were first regionalized and then nationalized.
The British merged Lagos colony and the southern and northern regional police force to form the colony’s first national police.
Section 214-216 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria provides for the Nigeria police force.
Section 214 of the 1999 constitution categorically state that “there shall be known as the Nigeria police force, and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be establish for the the federation or any part”, therefore, the police Act however regulates the force section 4 of the police Act provides that, “The police shall be employed for the prevention and detention of crime”, the apprehension of offenders, the protection of life and property, and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged.
Officers and men of the force are deployed across the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja.
To fight criminality and ensure the maintenance of law and order vis-visa.
Peaceful coexistence in the society.
In conclusion, the Nigeria police force has a rich history that spans over two centuries from its humble beginnings as a colonial police force to its current states as a national institution, while the force has undergone significant reforms and transformations over the years, it still faces challenges in terms of effectiveness, accountability, and human rights Despite the efforts are being made to improve the police force through various reform programs and initiation.
These efforts aims to enhance the capacity of the police force, promote human rights and improve policing strategies ultimately.
A reformed and effective police force is crucial for maintaining law and order
Protecting life and property and ensuring public safety in Nigeria.
