Police Reform: Buhari Orders Swift Review Of Salary

President Muhammadu Buhari while addressing Nigerians on Thursday assured that the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission have been directed to speed up new salary structure of members of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

AllNews reports that this is coming after protesting youths in Nigeria called for an end to Police brutalization and extra judicial killings of Nigerians. The protesters have been on the streets for weeks, protesting the brutalities, humiliation, and extortion of Nigerians, especially the youths.

The protesters demanded an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit under the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Anthony Ogbizi, using a hashtag: #EndSARS.

AllNews reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu disbanded SARS following a widespread protest from Nigerians worldwide.

However, since the announcement that SARS has been scrapped, the protesters have refused to leave the streets, which a Presidential Advisory Committee says might force the Federal Government to take drastic measures against the protesting youths.

The #EndSARS campaigners are insisting that the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari should “increase police salary so that they are adequately compensated for protecting lives and property of citizens.”

Reacting to the demands after some hoodlums hijacked the protests and took advantage to unleash mayhem in some cities, destroying both private and public properties, as well as looting shops and destroying infrastructures, Buhari, in a presidential broadcast on Thursday evening said;

"On approving the termination of SARS I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

"With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force”.

“The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards”.

“In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers”.