The Nigeria Police Force says individuals identified as repentant terrorists or criminals will not be admitted into the Force, with community leaders urged not to recommend such persons for recruitment.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has declared that it will not recruit or admit repentant terrorists into its ranks, with Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Isyaku Mohammed stating that the Force is taking steps to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from joining the organisation.
Mohammed made the remarks during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, attended by police officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions and other community representatives. He urged community heads, religious leaders and security stakeholders not to sign recommendation letters for individuals who had previously engaged in criminal activities, stressing that they should instead identify and expose such persons.
The DIG recalled his experience while serving in the North-East, where he witnessed efforts to reintegrate deradicalised Boko Haram members into society. He recounted that some communities rejected the return of former insurgents, expressing concerns about accepting individuals linked to past violence. He noted that while decisions on deradicalisation are matters of federal policy, the Nigeria Police would focus on protecting the integrity of its own recruitment process.
The remarks were made as part of a broader engagement with stakeholders on policing and security within the North Central Zone. Alongside the recruitment issue, Mohammed discussed community policing, intelligence sharing and plans to strengthen security coordination across Kwara State and neighbouring border corridors.
Mohammed stated that the Force would not allow “repentant criminals” or other individuals with criminal backgrounds to gain entry into the Nigeria Police. He also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had directed Deputy Inspectors-General to engage stakeholders across their respective zones to assess security challenges and strengthen collaboration. In addition, he announced plans for a joint border patrol covering Kwara State’s borders with neighbouring states and the Benin Republic.
The Police maintained that community participation remains central to crime prevention, urging residents and local leaders to support security agencies through timely information sharing and responsible recommendations during recruitment processes.