We Didn’t Ask Recruits To Pay N250,000 Before Collecting Uniforms, Kits In Bauchi  – Police

Ajiya Ayuba

The Commandant of the Bauchi State Police Training School in Yelwa, ACP Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal said that they have not asked any recruit officers to pay N250,000 before collecting uniforms and kits.

In a press statement signed by the spokesman of the command, Ahmed Wakil and made available to newsmen in the State. Tambuwal dismissed the allegations as unfounded. 

The press statement read “Recent reports have emerged alleging that police recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State, are being coerced into paying as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and other necessary equipment that should be provided at no cost. Some recruits, speaking anonymously, have described this financial obligation as an onerous burden for themselves and their families”

Recall that a legal practitioner, one Lawal Ishaq, had raised concerns after being approached by a woman seeking financial assistance for her son, who is currently undergoing police training at the institution above.”

“Ishaq stated, “I was in my office when a woman I had previously assisted approached me. She indicated that her son, who was in training, had called to request N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and jackets.

“She earnestly requested my assistance. When I contacted the young man, he confirmed that the funds were intended for those items. As we discussed, I was taken aback.” 

Tambuwal said that with over 700 recruits currently in training, it would be logically impossible for him or his officers to extort such a substantial amount. 

He said that “If such occurrences exist, I am unaware of them. However, it is not true that recruits are required to pay for their uniforms and kits. All trainees receive their uniforms and meals free of charge. We provide three square meals daily, and the uniforms are transported from Abuja to Bauchi and issued without payment,” he stated.

“The Bauchi State Police Command firmly contends that the allegations of extortion at the Police Training School are unsubstantiated, misleading, and represent an attempt to discredit the esteemed leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Under the exemplary guidance of the 46th Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+), mni, the Command has upheld a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices, as evidenced by decades of integrity within the Police Training School.”