Yar’Adua invites Britain to assist Police - Punchng

The Federal Government has asked the British Government to assist it in restructuring the Nigeria Police Force.

The Minister of Interior, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd.), who disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, said the request was made by President Umaru Yar’Adua at the just-concluded
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda.

Abbe briefed journalists on the new development after a meeting between Yar’Adua and senior officials of the Ministry of Interior.

He said that the planned restructuring was to improve on the security situation in the country.
The minister said that the President had directed him to constitute a committee of retired and senior police officers who had distinguished themselves in the Police Force.

The officers are expected to come up with a strategic plan of action. He said, “The issue of the reorganization of the NPF and the British involvement came up when Mr. President had a discussion with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, in
Uganda.

“In the course of their discussion, the British Prime Minister kindly requested Mr. President for what assistance Nigerian Government would like the British Government to render. Mr. President told him that he would appreciate any support the British Government could give us in the matter of improving the security services of this country.

“So, against that background, Mr. President is looking at the Police Force as the point
element in the security services. And that of course is giving room to this committee that is being set up to look at areas where we seriously need external help and also look at areas where we are capable of handling.

“We will then advise Mr. President who will tell the British Prime Minister on the areas of
assistance we may need.

“We have it on good authority that the British Government is ready to support us in
reorganising the NPF and empowering it to be able to carry out its assigned role of ensuring law and order.

“The extent of involvement will be determined by the committee that will be set up.
Source: http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2007112