The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stark warning that Nigeria's persistent insecurity cannot be overcome through military might or massive spending alone, emphasizing the critical need for robust funding of oversight and accountability mechanisms in policing.
Speaking at the public presentation of the book Police Service Commission and Police Accountability in Nigeria, authored by retired PSC Director Anuli Elfreda Okoli, the Commission's Secretary, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, highlighted the contradictions in the country's security priorities.
"Lasting security cannot be achieved through firepower alone," Nnamani stated. "Weak oversight erodes discipline, professionalism, and public trust in law enforcement. A nation is secured not by the number of weapons it deploys, but by how effectively it controls the use of force."
The event in Abuja doubled as a celebration of Okoli's 30 years of service, her 60th birthday, and her contributions to police reform discourse.
Nnamani criticized the underfunding of the PSC, a constitutional body established under Section 153(1) of the 1999 Constitution to handle police discipline, appointments, and accountability despite trillions of naira allocated to policing operations.
"We approve massive budgets for policing, yet institutions responsible for oversight and reform are left under-resourced," he said.
"When oversight is weak, discipline breaks down, professionalism suffers, and public trust disappears. Security without accountability is simply instability waiting to return."
He stressed that the consequences are felt in everyday interactions with law enforcement, adding that police accountability "cannot be scattered or treated as a shared, undefined responsibility."
The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd.), represented by DIG Taiwo F. Lakanu (Rtd.), praised Okoli's professionalism and described the book as an essential resource for policymakers and security practitioners.
Okoli, in her remarks, explained that the book draws from her extensive experience in oversight, disciplinary processes, and reform initiatives, aiming to inform policymakers, scholars, and citizens on police governance.
The book was reviewed by civil society leader Dr. Otive Igbuzor and presented by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Amal Pepple.
Chief Ben Okoye served as chief launcher, while Senator Victor Umeh chaired the occasion and commended Okoli for documenting key experiences in security sector reform.
During the ceremony, Okoli received an Award of Service for her meritorious contributions, with a documentary citation read by former Director Maurice Archibong.
Okoli also unveiled the logo for the Beneddette Ezewuzie Legacy Foundation (BEL Foundation), her new philanthropic initiative focused on empowerment and social change.
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