“NO PLACE FOR REPENTANT TERRORISTS!” Police Rule Out Recruitment of Ex-Criminals Into Force

(Nigeria Police. Photo by Punch News)

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a firm warning that individuals with criminal backgrounds, including repentant terrorists, will not be allowed to join its ranks, stressing that the integrity of the Force cannot be compromised.

The announcement comes amid growing discussions about the reintegration of former offenders into society, with police authorities making it clear that recruitment into the Force is not an option for those with criminal records.

Security officials also cautioned traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders against endorsing or recommending such individuals during recruitment exercises, warning that doing so could pose serious risks to public safety.

The police insist that protecting communities begins with maintaining strict recruitment standards, while urging citizens to support law enforcement by exposing criminal elements rather than helping them gain access to security institutions.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North-Central Zone, Isyaku Mohammed, said repentant terrorists and other former criminals would not be considered for enlistment into the Nigeria Police Force.

Addressing police officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport union representatives, and other stakeholders, Mohammed urged community leaders and Divisional Police Officers to reject and report anyone with a criminal background seeking recruitment into the Force.

Drawing from his experience in the North-East, the DIG recalled that many residents strongly opposed the reintegration of deradicalised Boko Haram members because of the atrocities committed during the insurgency. He warned that any criminal recommended for recruitment could eventually be posted back to the same communities that endorsed them.

Mohammed also announced plans to strengthen security through a joint border patrol operation covering Kwara State’s borders with Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Niger states, and the Benin Republic. He further emphasized the importance of community policing, intelligence sharing, and youth engagement as critical strategies for preventing crime and improving security nationwide.