The federal government says no fewer than 9, 694 have graduated as pioneer special constables for community policing programmes.
It also said the operatives have been trained in basic police duties, rule of law, police-community relations, intelligence gathering, neighbourhood policing, human rights, and the consequence of abuse of office in a democratic setting.
A statement by the spokesperson of Ministry of Police Affairs, Seyi Odutayo, on Sunday, disclosed that the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, said this at the passing-out parade for the special constables from Zamfara State at the Police College, Kaduna on Friday.
The minister said the personnel would soon bring policing closer to the people.
“What we are witnessing today forms the nucleus of community policing initiative and the reform agenda of Mr. President,” the statement quoted the minister to have said.
“While affirming the justification of the establishment of the Ministry of Police Affairs, he said community policing in Nigeria is one of the dynamic innovations aimed at bringing policing closer to the people through their participation to effectively curb crime and criminality.”
